Next up for "Where Are They Now" is a dual-sport student-athlete, Derek Rogers. Rogers was a member of the Cal Lutheran men's soccer and track and field programs. Rogers was an All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) selection for track and field. He was a member of the 4x100 relay team that made the podium at the SCIAC Championships. For Kingsmen soccer, he played in over 45 games, and the team averaged 10 wins per season. Now, Rogers is the Director of College Counseling at Rainier Scholars.
What years were you at Cal Lutheran and what made you want to come here?
I attended Cal Lutheran from 2002-06. I was excited to explore a new part of the country (being from Washington State) and join a welcoming, close-knit college community. The welcoming atmosphere I was looking for was confirmed right off the bat: I met many encouraging people early on, including Coach (Dan) Kuntz and track & field teammate, Marcus Green ('05).
While at Cal Lutheran, what was your experience like?
My experience at Cal Lutheran was truly empowering. I had the opportunity to meet a diverse set of classmates and professors who were supportive and expanded my worldview. I especially enjoyed taking a wide range of courses both in and outside my major: I developed a deep respect for German philosophy in Dr. Brint's Humanities Tutorial and gained a greater understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work in Dr. Freeland's Music and the Civil Rights Movement course. At every turn, I encountered helpful faculty and staff who were committed to my success and growth.
How was your experience with the team and other athletes?
I was fortunate to be a dual-sport athlete, something I am thankful to Coach Kuntz and (former Cal Lu track coach) Scott Fickerson for. My time with both the men's soccer and track teams was transformative. In each program, I encountered great teammates who welcomed me and challenged me. The camaraderie we shared is one-of-a-kind.
What is your current job, and how did Cal Lutheran prepare you for that?
I currently serve as the Director of College Counseling at Rainier Scholars, a 12-year program that offers a pathway to college graduation for hard-working, low-income students of color in the Greater Seattle (WA) area. A hallmark of my Cal Lutheran education was the versatility I gained; the liberal arts curriculum prepared me to be flexible, curious, and adept at connecting ideas across disciplines. My job, like so many, requires me to draw connections between, and have familiarity with, a broad range of subject matter. My professors at Cal Lu really challenged me and equipped me to be the learner I continue to be today.
How did being a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?
Being a student-athlete enabled me to relate to a wide range of people, to think strategically when problem-solving, and fostered a desire to win—for myself, my students, and my organization. Students need a game plan to help them surpass the many barriers they face to attain a college degree: I get to be someone who both pushes and supports them in their journey. My experience as a student-athlete has given me the confidence and skills to be an effective college counselor.
What is your favorite part about the job?
The best part of my job is seeing students land successfully at a college they might not have heard of several months earlier and fall in love with the school.
What is a typical day at your job?
A typical day involves meeting with students to complete their college and financial aid applications. When not in student meetings, I work with my colleagues to track students' progress in their journey toward college. As a member of our organization's leadership team, I also get to contribute to strategic planning and solving big picture challenges.
Did you know you always wanted to do this, or when did you know what you wanted to do?
As a Business major, I didn't set out to work in the college admission counseling profession, which is true for many of us in the field. That said, I went through the college admission process on my own and had a great time researching colleges. Finding my way into this profession, then, has been a great fit. I love getting to work both on-the-ground (directly with students and families) as well as tactically in helping to guide my organization, putting to good use my diverse set of interests.
What does it mean to you to be a Kingsmen?
Being a Kingsmen means investing in relationships with teammates and committing to helping them find success. I've enjoyed staying in touch with many former teammates and even play on a weekly soccer team here in Seattle with them.
