Why did you choose Iowa State?
I chose Iowa State initially because of the city of Ames itself. I loved the campus because of the nature and overall vibe. I didn’t realize how amazing the community and the people were until I got here.
How did you become interested in your major? What excites you most about your major?
I became interested in my major a long time ago! I started singing at a very young age but didn’t start taking lessons until I was in my sophomore year of high school. Throughout the years of elementary through high school, I was highly involved in choir, show choir, band, and marching band. I loved the arts so much, and I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything other than that for the rest of my life. My junior year of high school was when I was initially starting to think about a major, and my first thought was to become a flute major. I loved flute at the time just as much as singing, but my senior year changed everything. My choir directors, Hannah Ryan and Laura Grimm were my inspiration. I had the best time my senior year in choir and show choir, and they were a huge reason why. The way they inspired me made me want to be that person for students in the future. Now, I am here! I ultimately chose voice over flute.
What’s your favorite class so far within your major and why?
My favorite class is my applied voice lessons. I love growing and learning more from our voice faculty. My voice teachers while I’ve been here, Shelby VanNordstrand and Mary Creswell, have been incredible examples and have helped me improve more than I ever thought I could.
What are your current career interests and/or goals for after graduation?
I plan to student teach in the Fall and graduate in December. While I am student teaching, I will be submitting applications to different grad schools across the country. I hope to go to grad school and see what happens from there! If an opportunity arises that feels right, I will take it! I have no expectations for what will happen, and I would love to see where life takes me.
How would you describe the support you receive from faculty or staff in your major or at Iowa State in general?
The support I have received here at Iowa State has been astounding. I have the greatest relationship with all my teachers, and they’ve been nothing short of encouraging. I have been provided with countless opportunities, and it is all thanks to the faculty here in our building! They want us to succeed and do what makes us happy, which has made my experience here unforgettable!
What’s your most memorable ISU experience so far?
I have two experiences that have been the most memorable. One was when the Iowa State Singers travelled and sang in Norway. That was a life changing experience, where we sang at historic sites and learned about the culture in a different country! Thank you to Dr. Rodde for providing us with that experience, because it is something I will hold onto for my entire life! Another experience was singing with JazzOne. Mike Giles has done so much for me during my time here at Iowa State. He has welcomed me and let me share my art with his ensemble. I love singing Opera and Classical Music, but I also love Jazz. Mike allowed me to grow as a jazz singer and allowed me to be creative in a different setting than I am used to.
The best part of studying [your major] at Iowa State is ….
The best part of student vocal music education at Iowa State is the faculty and resources that will help you be successful! We have access to incredible professors who have tons of experience and are incredibly skilled at what they do.
What has surprised you most about your major(s)?
The thing that has surprised me the most is how grateful I am for how busy I am. I can become overwhelmed very easily (which I did my freshman year) but after I did all the hard classes and work, I was so happy to have all that knowledge and to have gone through those experiences. It teaches you a lot about how to balance life and school.
What’s your proudest ISU moment so far?
My proudest ISU moment was winning the 2026 Concerto Competition! For many years, it has been on my bucket list to be a soloist with an orchestra. After years of auditioning, this year I was honored to get to sing with the ISU Symphony Orchestra. I am eternally grateful for that opportunity, and it was a life altering experience for me.
My best advice for new students is . . .
My best advice is to find a hobby outside of music. For many years, I didn’t have one, and I would start to become burnt out. If you have something that can take your mind off of music for a while, you won’t overwhelm yourself with all the work and practice you have to do. Also, IT IS OKAY TO SAY NO! Never be afraid to decline an opportunity if you are too busy and need to put yourself first!
I plan to make an impact in the world by . . .
I plan to make an impact in the world by singing for as long as I can! I love singing and performing more than anything, and I want to keep telling stories for various audiences. The world needs art!
How have you grown personally at Iowa State?
I have grown more confident as a person. Being at ISU has challenged me to put myself out there more and try new things. Because of that, I have become more of a risk taker and am confident in who I am as a person now. I used to be very lost and not sure of why I was placed on this earth and what I was meant to do. I can say now I am confident in what I do, and I love the unknown of what life will bring to me in my future!
Is there anything else you want to add that’s important for you to share?
I would like to thank all my professors for making my time here at Iowa State memorable and fulfilling! Without you all, it wouldn’t have been the same.