Carly Ochinero: Sing, Pray, Love

She dreams of earning her Doctor of Psychology degree, working with a different culture abroad, as well as with youth at a church, becoming a motivational speaker, event planner, a wife, and a mother.  (Oh yeah, and did we mention she’s only 20?)

Meet Carly Ochinero: Kent Island, Maryland native, lover of life, and owner of a perpetual smile.  While her friends may call her “C-Shell” (middle name’s Michelle), we call her “pretty amazing!”  Not many students can juggle a job, two majors, involvement in multiple organizations, and an active and happy social life.  HC JMU sat down with the bubbly junior to talk about her most prominent involvement – being the President of the on-campus Christian A Cappella group, Into Hymn!

 
HC JMU: What year were you when you started singing in Into Hymn?  
CARLY: I was a sophomore when I was inducted into Into Hymn. I tried out freshman year but didn’t even get a call-back! I decided to try again the next year and went in with confidence.  I was the first to try out, ended up getting a call-back, and then (to my pleasant surprise), was called at midnight with a huge “Congratulations!” from the whole group! I have been singing with them ever since. Just goes to show that you should never give up on something you believe in! 
 
HC: What made you want to become the President?
C: I was elected after two semesters in the group. I had been praying about the election for a while, trying to think of who could be best for the position. All I knew was that I wanted to see our group continue to thrive, to grow in love for each other, to grow our ministry, and to have a beneficial impact in the A Capella community. I was nominated to be the next “Bookings Coordinator” (which is our ‘president’ role), and believed that I could be used by the Lord to lead well. I wanted to be president so that I could be used to strengthen and encourage the group and learn how to lead well!
 

HC: What is the most fun part of the role?  The most difficult?
C: The most fun part of the role is that I get to plan all of the performances and events that we sing with, and being able to talk to other JMU organizations in planning benefit concerts with A Capella. The most difficult part is being responsible for scheduling and the incredible amount of time it takes to plan! (It is totally worth it, though!)
 
HC: To you find it hard to juggle your involvement with school and other activities?
C: I used to find it a struggle, but there are a TON of resources that JMU offers to help in time management, and I have definitely used these to enhance my skills in juggling schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. I make sure that I write down everything I need to accomplish, and set goals for myself each week. I try to prioritize and make sure that I set aside time for quiet times and mental breaks. Whenever I begin to experience a lot of anxiety and feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and ask myself, “is this really important, or can I take a break?” Resting and taking time for yourself is important!
 
HC: What kinds of events and concerts does Into Hymn perform in?
C: We always have a Fall and Spring end-of-semester concert. For Spring 2012, we are looking at a date in April. (Nothing permanent yet, but stay posted!)  We will also be having a CD released sometime at the end of this semester!  We always perform at Student Org Night, as well as at ACapella-thon with the six other JMU singing groups – BlueStones, Note-oriety, The Madison Project, Exit 245, The Overtones, and Low Key.  We also do other benefit concerts, sing at churches, high schools, and even coffee shops! 
 

HC: Finally, are you involved in any other singing, or just in general, organizations at JMU?
C: I was a First Year Orientation Guide (FrOG) as well as a Make Your Mark On Madison (MYMOM) participant in 2010. These were excellent opportunities that really taught me how to relate to others, be a leader, and also help others lead! I am actively involved in Cru large group, as well as a Cru small group. I also attend InterVarsity sometimes! I currently work with Office of Resident Life (ORL) as a Program Advisor, where I work with RAs and Hall Directors in programming and advertising; we work to help first and second year students enjoy their life in the residene halls and become acclimated to JMU!

I have worked with event planning in awareness events, such as Brick Wall (Alcohol Awareness) and The Clothesline Project (Sexual Assault Awareness). I sing at my church at home, where my dad is the worship leader, and I have helped lead a children’s choir. Other than that, singing is a way that I can give my gifts back to the Lord. My real purpose here at JMU is to serve the Lord and others, which is why I LOVE the opportunities that JMU has to offer with Orientation, MYMOM,  Cru, and of course, Into Hymn.
  

Want Into Hymn to sing at your organization’s event or join you at your church’s worship service? 
Contact IntoHymnJMU@gmail.com!