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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The music department has helped me explore new musical paths I never would’ve considered on my own.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
There is space for everyone in the music department. If you have even an inkling of an interest in any of the ensembles, student groups, or music classes offered by the department, join! Take them! You’ll be amazed by the lifelong bonds you build through making music, how much fun you’ll have while doing it, and by how much you’ll grow along the way.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Growth can only happen when you are willing to step outside of your comfort zone!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
You are capable of far more than you realize.

What has been your favorite class at K?
One of my favorite courses I’ve taken at K has been Dr. Bothwell’s Jazz Explorations course. I highly recommend it to anyone, musician or not! It’s a great way to gain some pocket knowledge about the Jazz legends and provides a solid foundation in a genre so fundamental to the backbone of many other styles of American music. Plus, you get to listen to some pretty great tunes along the way!

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
The flexible curriculum at K has allowed me to pursue my three academic passions – Biology, Music, and Spanish – even though they are quite different fields. During my time at K, I was able to study Biology as my major, study abroad in Spain, and join a plethora of different musical ensembles along the way. My interest in Spanish was not something I discovered until my time at K, thanks to the open-style curriculum. If I didn’t have the room in my schedule to try completely new things, like learning a new language, I might never have opened myself up to the diverse range of classes offered in the catalog.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have served as a TA, cell culture assistant, and writing tutor for the Biology department.

What is your SIP?
I will be completing a Biology SIP based on my summer internship at Cayman Chemical in Ann Arbor, MI.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After graduating from K, it is my goal to obtain a few years of workplace experience in the biotech industry before pursuing a more focused graduate program.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I am named after my hometown of Chelsea, MI.