Mariah Graham ‘17
Year: Freshman
Major: Speech Pathology
Hometown: New Castle, Delaware
Relationship status: Taken
HerCampus: Why did you decide to attend Bloomsburg University?
Mariah Graham: I decided to attend Bloomsburg University because I want to pursue a career as a Speech Pathologist and Bloomsburg offered the type of program I wanted. I also chose BU to get the real college experience living away from home.
HC: What activities are you involved in at BloomU?
MG: At Bloomsburg, I am involved in the percussion ensemble, marching band, I study percussion privately with Dr. Gifford Howarth, and I am involved with the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
HC: Congratulations on your impressive solo at the Percussion Ensemble performance on Nov 7! What do you like most about performing?
MG: The greatest part about performing is the feeling of accomplishment and success after the performance is over. During the performance you are so focused and “in the zone” you hardly even notice what is going on around you and the audience. Another great feeling about performing is the post performance congratulatory comments you get from all of your friends, family and strangers who got to see and hear you play.
HC: What is it like being only one of two females in the male-dominated Percussion Ensemble?
MG: Being only one of two females in a male dominated ensemble is very enjoyable. Regardless of gender, everyone has their own personal strengths in different areas of music and in the Bloomsburg Percussion Ensemble we all recognize that and appreciate everyone what talent they bring with them.
HC: What are your plans after graduation?
MG: After graduation I plan to attend graduate school for my masters degree in speech pathology, get a very well paying job, then hopefully someday after all that get married and start a family. While trying to do all of this I plan to teach percussion to individuals or to front ensembles in either marching bands or drum corps.
HC: What have you found most surprising about college life so far?
MG: What I have found most surprising about college so far is how fast the school week goes by when you keep yourself busy.
What is your favorite On-Campus hangout?
MG: My favorite hangout on the BU campus is the music building! That’s where most of my friends spend their times too!