I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I unintentionally ended up staying in the Midwest for college, and I'm very glad about it! I chose Grinnell for its academic rigor and community full of people who want to make a difference in the world.
Finding My Voice
When I first got to college, I didn't think that I would even audition for Grinnell Singers because I was so nervous. Looking back, I am so glad I took the risk to put myself out there — and I got in! Joining Singers introduced me to a kind and talented community, and pushed me to explore a variety of new musical avenues.
My favorite concert was titled “Considering Matthew Shepard.” It was my first true experience performing with a choir that intertwined music and social justice, and it was incredibly moving to be part of this collective tribute to Matthew's legacy.
As much as I love singing, solo performance has always been a source of anxiety. So, I was incredibly excited and proud when I worked up the nerve to solo in front of a large crowd with Con Brio, one of Grinnell's student-run a cappella groups.
Tiny Dorm is an intimate, traveling concert series where students gather in dorms around campus to share all different kinds of musical talents. It has been a wonderful space for me to unwind on weekend nights, hear my friends perform original music, and even share a few renditions of my own favorite songs.
Old Friends, New Passions
Having taught kids to climb as a camp counselor, I was excited to get involved with the Grinnell College climbing wall. I worked hard to recruit friends from all over campus (as well as random passersby in the Charles Benson Bear ’39 Recreation and Athletic Center) and organized events to make the wall a more inclusive and welcoming place!
Water "Dancing Queens"
At the start of my second year, I helped create a synchronized swimming team with a couple of friends. Despite going into the semester with almost no experience, we pulled off a performance after one semester of practice!
Through our Student Government Association, Grinnell offers students the ability to create clubs and receive funding. You just need a passion and a couple of friends...and that's just what we did.
Global Grinnellian
Studying Abroad in Ecuador
In the fall of 2019, I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador with IES Abroad. As a Spanish major, I had always envisioned studying abroad. I was immensely excited to be in such a biologically diverse and historically rich country as Ecuador.
On weekdays, I took classes at a local university, Universidad San Francisco de Quito. I enjoyed opportunities to explore topics, including women's studies, through a cross-cultural lens. We were even able to learn about rituals and art pieces made by indigenous women in the Amazon rainforest!
Traveling Around South America
After studying abroad in the fall, I met up with my best friend from Grinnell, who was studying abroad in Buenos Aires. For three weeks, we backpacked across South America, soaking up the sights and practicing our Spanish. It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Looking back at my years in college, I am glad that I stepped outside my comfort zone to take advantage of the many resources Grinnell provides, make my mark, and help cultivate a warm and welcoming community.
I left Grinnell with unforgettable memories, enduring relationships, and confidence in my ability to continue growing, challenging myself, and doing my part to help create a better world.
I may have been freezing in this photo, but I absolutely loved taking a break from finals to do something fun with my friends!
