I chose my major because … I love music in every way. I love to perform it and, most of all, I love to teach others everything that music has to offer.
My favorite class or professor at NIU is … my mentor, Dr. Ronnie Wooten. From the first time I met him and saw how passionate and knowledgeable he is about music, it became apparent that he was the person I needed to study with. He really goes above and beyond to make sure that the students who work the hardest get the best education NIU has to offer.
My favorite thing to do on campus is … the East Lagoon. It is a beautiful and relaxing getaway from the hectic pace of college life. Plus, there is a fire pit, which is a great place to sit and relax with friends.
Outside of the classroom, my favorite thing at NIU that really enhances my experience here is … the vast array of different student organizations to be extremely valuable.
When I have free time, I like to … I like to hang out with my friends and just relax. Our favorite place to go in DeKalb is the Junction. It has good coffee and is open late, so it makes for a good place to study or just to talk.
One thing I wish I knew about actual college life before I got here is … that college is a lot different then high school. You can still not work your hardest and get by, but your grades will not be like they were in high school.
One positive thing I have learned about myself since coming to NIU is … how to manage my time. After four years, I can push myself harder then I ever thought possible but stay enthusiastic at the same time.
If I was guaranteed success, I would … become the conductor of a top-tiered college wind ensemble as well as an advocate for the advancement of the wind ensemble as a viable artistic performing medium.
After graduation, I plan to … pursue a career in music education. I would love to teach at the college level someday, but as long as I am teaching music somewhere, I will be happy.
The one NIU experience I will always remember will be … when I was a freshman and I had the opportunity to travel to the Lima Peru Jazz Festival with the Jazz Ensemble. It was amazing.
Area of Study: Music Education
Graduation Date: May 2008
Hometown: Joliet, Ill.
High School: Joliet West High School
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