For nearly two decades, Dr. Charla Lorenzen has been more than just a professor at Elizabethtown College. A tenured faculty member in modern languages, Lorenzen has dedicated 19 years to creating a community-first approach to language learning—one that reaches far beyond the classroom. Now, in her final semester at the college, she reflects on a career filled with creativity, connection, and most recently, unexpected heartbreak.
Lorenzen, who holds a Ph.D. in foreign language education, built her classes around the idea that language is best learned in environments that mirror real-world use—through social interaction, play and meaningful experiences.
“I know that many people have anxiety about language learning, and I work hard in the planning stages to prevent that as much as I possibly can,” she said. “This includes building community from the start, so that everyone feels included and supported… and making learning fun rather than a chore.”
It’s why students in her Spanish classes often found themselves outside the four walls of a classroom—at ice cream outings, participating in team competitions or laughing over games in Spanish. From conversation hours with native speakers to spirited games like “agree to disagree,” every activity had the goal of reducing fear and increasing confidence.
“Friendly competition is good, but so is an atmosphere of acceptance,” Lorenzen said. “I emphasize that no one is perfect. We’re all still learning, including me, and mistakes are inevitable when humans interact. That’s real communication.”
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Students responded not just with enthusiasm, but with lasting engagement. Over time, Lorenzen noticed increased confidence and collaboration in her learners, especially when using authentic resources—like articles, media and games created for native speakers rather than textbooks.
“In the best-case scenario, students sometimes forget they’re communicating in Spanish because they’re so engrossed in what they’re reading, hearing, or learning,” she said.
But this semester marks a bittersweet turning point. In October, the College announced the elimination of its Spanish and Spanish education majors due to low enrollment, effectively cutting Lorenzen’s position despite her full professorship and years of service.
“I was heartbroken,” she said. “I moved across the country for this job, away from friends and family. I considered the college community to be my extended family.”
Though Lorenzen was eligible to teach across multiple departments—including education, physical education and first-year seminars—no alternative position was offered.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s been traumatizing to come back to campus every day since the job cuts,” she said. “I feel badly for the students who lost their majors, minors, and mentors.”
Despite the painful departure, Lorenzen’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. She has since opened “Lorenzen Studios” in Mount Joy, where she now offers yoga classes, Spanish instruction and wellness retreats.
“I’ve been a fitness instructor since high school and a yoga instructor since college,” she said. “It was always a dream to open a studio, and now I’ve done it—with help from my husband, who painted murals on the studio walls, and my daughter, who designed my logo.”
At the studio, she uses immersive methods to teach Spanish, while planning yoga teacher trainings and community events that blend language, movement and mindfulness. Her next wellness retreat will take place in Spain in May 2026.
“I’m continuing to unite my passions for Spanish, fitness and yoga,” Lorenzen said. “And I’m hoping to increase access to yoga for Spanish-speaking communities in central Pennsylvania.”
Still, she acknowledges the emotional toll of saying goodbye to Etown.
“My students have shown me so much compassion,” she said. “I wouldn’t have been able to finish the academic year without them.”
As a tribute to her time at the college, Lorenzen is creating a scrapbook with class photos and student messages. One tradition she’s particularly sad to see end is the photo ritual in front of the Blue Jay wings mural on Zug Hall—painted by her husband.
“I’ve taken class photos there every semester since he painted it,” she said. “If any former or current students want to send me photos by the wings, I’d love to include them in my scrapbook.”
As she transitions to a new chapter, Lorenzen leaves behind not just a legacy of teaching—but one of care, creativity and community.
To stay connected or learn more about her offerings, Lorenzen encourages the community to visit lorenzenstudios.com or find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
“I hope people stay in touch. This college meant the world to me, and the students were the heart of it all.”
