How/why do you want to change the world?

I think education and work with youths is one of the most powerful ways to transform the future. Whether this is education in the US or international nonprofit outreach, education can play a massive role in closing gaps of SES, gender, race, and ethnicity. I specifically enjoy the arts, because while there are many things currently “teaching” kids to be more like everyone else (that there is one way to do things or one definition of success), music is one of the few subjects that can both teach academic topics and teach you to be more like yourself. I therefore see a large and valuable window of opportunity to shape the future with innovative and interdisciplinary education.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO?

I’m proud to have been in a lot of different things. In the music school, I have been in the UO Chamber Choir, and served as a Peer Advisor and Vice President of NAfME. In the Psychology department, I have worked in multiple research labs and was a Peer Lab Leader. I was also the co-director for the UO Relay for Life which involved running an entire committee of students and raising awareness and money for cancer education/research and resources. This year we have raised almost $33,000.00 and are still counting. 

What are some of your goals after college?

My biggest goal is to continue finding ways to make a difference in the lives of those around me, and to help people feel empowered to reach their highest potential. I plan to get my PhD in developmental psychology, studying the impact of musical experiences on the development of social cognition in children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders, and applying this research to nonprofit work and the field of music education. I also plan to keep singing and perhaps get into education or educational policy.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer?

At the UO I have had some incredible female mentors including Dr. Caitlin Fausey in the Psychology department and Dr. Sharon Paul in the music department. These professors as well as my family and close friends have provided support and inspiration for everything I put my mind to ñ I couldn’t be more grateful. 

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

This will sound weird to anyone who doesn’t know me, but probably a mix between Leslie Knope and Hermione Granger. 

What is one fun fact about you?

I did Ballet for almost 13 years, and can list more digits of pi than anyone with a life should be able to.