Music Education Major
What made you choose Heidelberg, and when did it start to feel like home?
I chose Heidelberg because I wanted to be at a small school where I could build meaningful relationships with faculty and students. Being a music major, I was thrown into several different communities on my first day on campus. I immediately felt at home during the rehearsal process of the musical “Chicago”, due to the theatre majors at that time and the directing team of Michael Shirtz, Pam Shirtz, and Lisa Wiley. All of those folks gave me positive memories, friendship, and helped me learn important life lessons about perseverance, hard work, and following your passions. Today, I feel at home because of the members of Delta Sigma Chi and the Heidelberg New Music Association, and a few of my closest friends I have made during my time here, especially the ones who have already graduated.
What moment at Heidelberg made you feel most proud to be a Student Prince?
I felt proud to be a Student Prince when I got the opportunity to co-direct the Heidelberg New Music Festival and Symposium for the first time in 10 years. Cameron Gaietto and I worked tirelessly alongside other amazing student leaders and our wonderful professor, Dr. Kennedy, to bring renowned professional musicians, established academic speakers, and a plethora of Call for Scores winners together on our campus. We were even so fortunate as to welcome the Mayor of Tiffin to our first Prism Concert to give a proclamation. The music festival went astoundingly well, and it was so rewarding to achieve such an amazing feat like this while being an undergraduate student. That is unheard of at the undergrad level, and I am forever grateful!
What’s a class, club, or activity you joined on a whim and ended up loving?
A club I ended up joining on a whim was Delta Sigma Chi, and I am so glad that I did. When I first got to college, I talked down on Greek life and swore to never join a Greek group because I hated the stories I heard in the media. However, two of my friends had joined at the end of my freshman year, so I decided to give it a shot in the fall of 2023. Because of this decision, I have made lifelong friends, memories, and have learned so much about what it takes to be a great leader and great friend. I will never forget all of the late-night talks, dance parties, pitch-perfect singing, and laughter shared.
What’s your best “only at Heidelberg” story?
My best "only at Heidelberg" story is getting the opportunity to perform in New York City for the Senior Showcase. Many institutions do not bring their students in front of NYC casting agents, and it was such an amazing and unique opportunity to perform, music director,t and create an hour-long show for real professionals in our field!
What relationship or friendship here has meant the most to you and why?
The friendship that has meant the most to me is my friendship with Lexy Saxon. I was able to find a once-in-a-lifetime friend at Heidelberg through this woman. She has taught me what it means to be strong, hardworking, funny, dependable, and loyal. I hope that Lexy and I continue to bring light into each other's lives,s and I cannot wait to move in with her as soon as I graduate!
What opportunity outside the classroom shaped you the most?
Being the Godspell Student Music Director was formative to my time here at Heidelberg. Before arriving in August, I was supposed to serve as the Assistant Music Director, working alongside the incredible Michael Shirtz. However, a conflict arose in his schedule, so he and I had to step up and direct the show. This involved teaching all the music, conducting, and working alongside the other artistic team to match the vision of the story with the music. This experience was incredibly daunting but also so rewarding. I will never forget what it felt like to conduct the show during opening night, and seeing all of the magic come to life through the harmonies. This experience taught me that even if I have been thrown headfirst into something scary, I am able to take charge and not only get the job done, but do it well.
What is a lesson from college that you will carry with you forever?
I learned that it is important to stay true to yourself. There is so much growth that takes place at college, and it can be tempting to change who you are based on the people that surround you. I learned that I cannot shrink myself to fit someone else's idea of me. It took me all four years to learn that, but after graduation, I promised myself to never dim my light and to unashamedly be me, even if it means not pleasing everyone.
What memory still makes you smile, no matter what?
I still smile when I think about doing the Dance-A-Thon fundraiser for Delta Sigma Chi in the middle of the night. We all came up with interpretive dances while standing in front of a Denny's, and it was so much fun.
What experience at Heidelberg best prepared you for your next step?
My student teaching experience has definitely helped me feel prepared to be a music educator once I graduate. I have learned so much about classroom management, creating an inclusive classroom, lesson planning, and effective instruction.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen about how to be successful at Heidelberg?
I would tell incoming freshmen not to settle. There are so many opportunities waiting for us at this institution. However, they will only come to you if you advocate for yourself and make yourself known. Do not stay in the same friend group that you met at orientation just because it is convenient. Do not stay in your major if it does not truly resonate with your passion. Keep exploring and do not be afraid to fail along the way!
What are your plans following graduation?
I am moving to Columbus with two of my friends from Heidelberg, and I plan on becoming an elementary music teacher. I also plan on learning how to roller skate, taking boxing classes, and running a half-marathon!
Finally, what’s one thing you hope never changes about Heidelberg?
I hope that the students never stop getting involved and continue to have a lust for learning. This institution thrives when its students continue to embrace passion, struggles, and challenges with open arms.