Elisabeth Gothelf ‘25
Major: Sociology and Theatre Arts
Minor: Philosophy
Next Step: Disability Instructor at Independence Plus
Q.) How did you end up choosing LMU?
A.) I chose LMU for many reasons. I'd always wanted to move to Los Angeles because of the performance opportunities, scenery, and the diverse nonprofit and social service sector. LMU was my first choice to pursue these ideals due to my ability to double major, its well-rounded core curriculum, and the service organizations offered.
Q.) Why did you decide to double major in Sociology and Theatre Arts? Do you have any minors?
A.) Musical theater has always been my creative outlet, but I knew I didn't want to go to a university that would force me to sacrifice one passion for another. LMU has given me the ability to pursue both my academic and creative interests, and the core curriculum helped me discover my affinity for Philosophy, which I ended up adding as a minor during my junior year.
Q.) Have you had any faculty mentors and/or meaningful and impactful classes, internships, global, or research experiences?
A.) My time at LMU has been absolutely full of meaningful experiences. When I wasn’t in class, I spent my time as a Tour Guide, in the Service Organization Ignatians, as Co-President of Alpha Psi Omega (the theatre arts honors society), as President of the Sociology Society, taking part in the Christian Life Community groups, and participating in various theatre performances both with the main department and the Del Rey Players.
I found mentors in every corner of LMU, but the professor that had the most significant impact on my academic career was definitely Professor Nathan Sessoms, Ph.D. in Sociology. Although I only took two classes with him, he took me under his wing, giving me the opportunity to lead the Sociology Society and make my mark on the department. Through his guidance, I was able to land my very first internship at LA Voice, where I worked as a Jr. Youth Community Organizer during my junior year. This role opened my eyes to the world of community organizing as a form of social justice and led me to decide to pursue grad school post-LMU.
Through Ignatians, I had the privilege of meeting and being led by Julia Wade, whose guidance deeply influenced and reshaped my understanding of justice and conflict resolution in practical and meaningful ways. During my time as Ignatians’ Vice President of Social Justice, we were able to partner in creating Restorative Justice Seminars, which remain my proudest LMU accomplishment to this day. I can’t thank Dr. Wade enough for her guidance and advice.
Q.) What did it mean to be recognized as University Scholar of the Year, and with several other student awards?
A.) When I was named University Scholar of the Year, I felt so incredibly blessed to have the fullest recognition of all my passion, hard work, and time reflected back to me. Of all the awards I received, including the Academic Achievement awards in both Theatre and Sociology, the College of Communication and Fine Arts Scholar Award, a Presidential Citation, and the Raymunde McKay R.H.S.M Award for leadership at the 2024 awards ceremony, this one represented the balance of academics, service, and leadership I strived so hard to achieve during my 4.5 years at LMU. Receiving these awards as a student in the liberal and creative arts made the moment even more meaningful to me, as it reminded me that these fields are rigorous, vital, and worthy of celebration; I am proud to represent them.
Q.) Can you talk about your work with disability instructor at Independence Plus? What are your future plans/goals?
A.) It was extremely gratifying to land a full-time position in a field I am interested in so soon after graduating, especially a position that is so fulfilling to me and those I serve. I get to work with individuals diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy on improving their daily lives. I connect my clients to important resources, help them discover their gifts and passions, and encourage them to take the steps towards living independently. In the future, I hope to decide which graduate school degree is right for me, but no matter what, I envision myself engrossed in a life intersecting between advocacy and storytelling. I hope to intertwine the theories I’ve learned throughout my sociology degree with the practice I’ve garnered through service within Ignatians. Whether through advocating for foster youth, community organizing, or performance, I hope to enter and enrich spaces where unheard voices can be heard and amplified, and I take part in meaningful change.
Q.) What do you appreciate most about your liberal arts/Jesuit/LMU education?
A.) I always joked on my tours that “if I were to choose a favorite pillar of LMU (which I have), it would be The Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice”. Truly, I couldn’t imagine a better summary of what the Jesuit liberal arts education represented for me throughout my time. LMU provides an educational lens that is always pointed outwards towards others. Both in and out of the classroom, my professors and mentors constantly invited me to consider how my work could be used to uplift and serve others in an ethical manner.
Q.) Do you have any parting advice for other students in BCLA?
A.) Of course! I encourage all students to try as many organizations and clubs as they can. There are so many lovely, passionate people in so many corners of LMU, you never know how you might meet your next research partner, mentor, or best friend. Pursuing your passions doesn’t have to be an isolated experience; pouring time and energy into a valued organization can lead to so many new opportunities!
Q.) Where are you originally from?
A.) I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada.