MEET RUTH (BROWN) SOBECK '09

Majors: Communication and Psychology

Why did you choose WLC?

As I was preparing to graduate from high school, I felt a lot of apprehension about being away from home for the first time. But when I visited WLC, it felt warm and welcoming and I knew it was the place the for me! At that time I was also unsure of what career I wanted to go into and loved that WLC offered me the opportunity to explore a lot of options before eventually making a decision.

Tell us about your favorite WLC experience.

Meeting my husband, Steven (’08), is at the top of the list and is another reason I’m so thankful for my time at WLC! Other than that, I would say the experience of running cross country was my favorite. I loved the camaraderie of being a part of the team, and I have so many great memories of our practices, meets, and team trips.

Who is your favorite WLC professor or staff member?

The staff members who really stood out during my time at WLC were my cross country coach, Steve Travis, and his assistant coach, Dave Ross (’96), who was also my supervisor for my campus job at the Science Hall (now Generac Hall). My professors changed every semester but Coach and Dave were a constant throughout all four years. Between them and my teammates, I felt like I had family around me when I was away from home for the first time.

What have you accomplished on your bucket list since graduation?

Many of the dreams I had on graduation day have been fulfilled! I earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and spent the last several years practicing in my field. I married my college sweetheart and we settled into a home that we love. We’ve done some traveling and had lots of adventures together, the best of all being welcoming our daughter, Emilie Grace, last fall. Now I’m beginning a new season as a stay-at-home mom and looking forward to soaking up these baby days and spending lots of time with my little family!

What is next on your bucket list to complete?

My bucket list these days is all about the small things … making snow angels in winter, splashing in rain puddles in the spring, summer strawberry picking, and autumn visits to the pumpkin patch. I’m just so excited to share all the things we love with Emilie and enjoy seeing the world through her eyes.