What was your overall UIS experience like? Did you participate in any clubs or activities while attending UIS?
Right off the bat I was participating in the UIS Orchestra Program, Psychology Club, Camerata Program, and the Honors Program. As the months went by I started to establish who I was as a musician, student, mentor, leader, and friend. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work closely with my professors and help develop the Camerata music program from a simple ensemble group to a close-knit team of friends and collaborators. In addition, I helped found the UIS Active Minds Chapter with my good friends from the Honors Program. My final two years at UIS I became the Concertmaster of the UIS Orchestra, a goal I had dreamed of achieving since I was eight years old. Lastly, UIS has been a great supporter of my Miss Illinois/Miss America dreams as I placed first runner up twice during my time at UIS.
Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?
As I take a step back from my time at UIS, I have three memories I want the community to know about.
The first is quite recent. Part of the Honors Program is to write a lengthy paper about any subject you are interested in. I chose to write about and present, “Exploring How Brain Structure and Cognitive Performance Are Impacted by Musical Training.” I worked closely with Elise LoBue to develop my paper, and at the end of year awards ceremony, I was presented with the Outstanding Senior Award. As it turns out, Dr. LoBue submitted me for this award and what affected me the most was hearing her talk about how my presentation inspired her to get out her piano books again. I have never felt more proud in my entire life.
Second, during my first year as concertmaster, the UIS Orchestra performed the Swan Lake Suite alongside a live ballet. I was given the opportunity to perform one of the most challenging violin solos that exists in the repertoire. The support and love I felt from my professors is what gave me newfound confidence in myself as an individual and as a musician. I am happy to say that I was able to overcome any doubt and successfully perform the solo in front of hundreds on the Sangamon Auditorium stage!
My third memory is the opportunity I was given by the UIS Orchestra and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. I was offered a position as a violin instructor for the Starter Strings program. One of my life goals is to create a love for music in the next generation, and because I chose UIS, I was able to impact over four hundred students during my time there. Over any accomplishment of mine, this is my favorite.
Why did you choose UIS?
I did not know about UIS until my high school orchestra director told me about it. Her daughter attended UIS and was in the music program, something I was looking for in a university.
At the end of the day, I chose UIS because of the veteran financial aid and music program scholarships, but I stayed because of the connection I formed to the community, the bonds I made with my professors and peers, and the legacy I would leave behind.
What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?
In all honesty, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my degree because I had a million interests in both psychology and music. What I didn't realize was that my career path was being developed behind the scenes while I was at UIS all along. My entire life I have been a performer; I started music at eight years old, modeling at 14, and pageantry at 16. While I have always been connected to the stage, I have also experienced the anxiety that comes with performing. Because of this, I have chosen to pursue a PsyD, or Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. My goal is to help performing populations overcome their anxieties and leave their best self on the stage or the field. I chose UE (University of Evansville, Indiana) because after meeting the professors, I felt like I belonged there. My goal with my time at UE is to conduct research about performance anxiety and work with the athletes, music students, and theater students one-on-one. I left a legacy at UIS, and I am so thrilled to do it again at UE!
How did your UIS education prepare you for your career?
I wouldn't have had such a great experience in college if it weren't for my professors. Dr. Adam Larison, Carmen Abelson, and Dr. Elise LoBue all impacted my life in different ways and I wouldn't be here without their encouragement and wisdom. Each of them have offered different advice, which is what helped me form my own decision about my career and education. With their help, I feel confident about my future and know that I will be a successful mental health practitioner.
Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?
Alongside being a musician, I am a model and pageant queen! I have been signed in New York, Chicago, and am currently signed in St. Louis. My work has taken me all over the country and has allowed me to interact with individuals of all different trades and backgrounds, which has given me incredible insight into the fashion industry.
I have competed for the title of Miss Illinois three times now and have placed first runner-up twice! Pageantry is another whole story that I could get into, but the main takeaways are that pageantry goes so much deeper than one would initially expect. Personal development, networking, public speaking, and mentorship are my favorite aspects of wearing a crown and sash. I am excited to continue my pageant journey and hopefully become Miss Illinois (or even Miss America) one day!
Combining my love for music with the service pillar of pageantry lead me to found my platform "Creating Harmony: Encouraging Success Through the Arts." Because of this platform, I have been able to travel and help establish new string programs in school districts across the state of Illinois. Over the course of six years and with the help of numerous orchestra programs, I have impacted over ten thousand students to love and appreciate music.
What are some life lessons you'd like to share with current students?
A message to current students at UIS: the experience is what you make it. Take every opportunity, try something new, talk to that person. You don't get this time back, so make it count. At the same time, make sure you take time to yourself. Self-care and self-development is crucial. You will never have this version of yourself again, so take some time and meet who you are! :)