Sascha Sternecker

Her Campus Hollins: What is your major and why did you choose it?
Sascha Sternecker: I’m a music major (vocal performance), and I “chose” it because my scholarship dictates that I major in music.  However, over time, it became clear that music chose me, and I couldn’t be happier.

HCH: What is your greatest strength?
SS: I think it’s being such a empath…. being highly empathetic and perceptive can be rough personally, but I suspect for the people that lean on me, it’s great.  Either way, if I’m helping someone, then I feel better about myself.

HCH: You worked in professional theater before returning to Hollins. What was that like? What were some of your favorite memories from that?
SS: Working in professional theatre was one of the all time greatest experiences of my life.  Professional theatre is so different from university theatre, and in my opinion, that’s a good different.  While working for the Bickford Theatre, my only job was to work there and work at my survival gig, usually nannying…. being a student and being in a show is so much harder.  The Bickford people are great, and they let me take on all kinds of projects!  I started as an unpaid intern in 2010, and after being hired, I worked as stage crew, wardrobe supervisor, sound board operator, and assistant stage manager.  By far, the best time was with the cast of Nunsense.  The five actresses were super talented, and hilarious, wonderful people.  Our pianist, Dan, dubbed Father Dan in the show, will always hold a special place in my heart.  One night at rehearsal, Dan and I were cloistered by the piano giggling…. everyone thought we were exchanging dirty jokes.  Oh, no.  We were telling MUSIC NERD jokes.  That’s actually a thing.

HCH: It’s been a journey from when you started at Hollins to now. What have you learned?
SS: Oh my heck, what HAVEN’T I learned?  As a musician, I found a whole lot more of my voice, and I like being old!  I’m more confident (sometimes) about my abilities as a performer, and I take a lot of risks.  I’ve learned that it’s totally okay to be a choirdork.  It’s who I am, and I’m proud of it.  Personally, what I’ve learned could probably fill several large books.  Everyday I’m thankful that Hollins gave me another chance to finish what I started, and I’m actually grateful for all the time off in between… it was honestly meant to be.  I’ve learned that I have to let myself need others and let myself be loved and supported.  I may never feel worth it, but I have to trust the people I love and who love me back.

HCH: You recently worked as Dr. Shelbie Wahl-Fouts’s assistant. What was that like? What was the best part of the experience?
SS: DWF is probably my favorite person on the planet.  She’s so great.  In terms of working for her, John Forsman put it best (when he saw my color-coded planner): “I think you and Shelbie make a dynamic duo.”  Working for her was… easy’s not the word…. natural?  We’re both pretty neurotic and pay great attention to detail.  Dr. Wahl-Fouts is a fabulous teacher in the classroom, and outside of the classroom, she’s an incredible mentor and such a source of support and love to me.  Like she knows more about me than anyone, and she’s still there for me.  I’m so grateful.  I would not be where I am without her!  

HCH: What are your greatest aspirations/what do you hope to do after school?
SS: Well, the jury’s still out on this one… I’m toying with the idea of going to grad school for Choral Conducting.  Up until last year, I was going to get a Master’s in Social Work and become a therapist.  What I’ll probably do is move back to Utah and work at one of the therapeutic boarding schools/treatment centers for girls out there.  If I work there as a direct care staff, it’s full time with benefits, and they have music, art, horses…. all up my alley.  I want to eventually officially own “my” horse, Graptolite, and compete with him in dressage.  I mean, I’d love to be on Broadway, but I’m not naive.

HCH: What are your greatest obstacles? Why?
SS: Probably my greatest obstacle is my struggle with self-hatred and feelings of worthlessness and shame.  I feel like I’d handle things a lot differently if I didn’t get so wrapped up in feeling worthless and unlovable.  It’s something I’m working on… I don’t think I’ll ever get to a point where I will love myself, but I think I can get to a point where worthlessness is not my go-to emotion.  

HCH: Any hobbies?
SS: Horseback riding, hiking, editing papers, and doing heel clickers in public.

HCH: What are you proudest of? Why?
SS: One day, it’s gonna be the fact that I’m recovered.  Until then, I’m proud that after fifteen years, I’m still fighting, and I’m worlds away from who I was.  

HCH:  Favorite book- fiction and non fiction? Why?
SS: Fiction… a novel called Flying Changes.  It’s centered around dressage horses, but it’s really deep and amazing.  Nonfiction is Eating In the Light of the Moon or Reviving Ophelia.

HCH: You started an eating disorder help group at Hollins. How has that been going, how did it start and where do you hope it will go from here?
SS: I started it [as a peer support group] because there is a need for such a thing.  There is virtually no support for individuals with eating disorders in Roanoke, or surrounding areas.  I actually called it off towards the end of last semester because I felt like a fraud and a hypocrite because I was secretly up to all kinds of no good.  I’m re-starting in February, and I hope I can be a source of support and guidance for anyone who needs it.  I hope that it can continue, as long as there is a need, once I leave Hollins.

HCH: Favorite movie? Why?
SS: Seriously, probably The Horse Whisperer.  But honestly, I love How to Train Your Dragon so much.

HCH: Best memory at Hollins? Why?
SS: Playing Ramona in Ramona Quimby in 2009.  And last spring, after the Quad Concert, Donovan (DWF’s husband) told me I was badass (I had a solo in a Queen song), and then DWF picked me up and spun me around.  The. Best.

HCH: Who is/are your heros/role models? Why?
SS: So I have a couple… Alice Ripley, who played Diana in Next to Normal on Broadway.  I’ve spoken to her twice, and she’s so normal, humble, and fabulous.  Not to mention so talented it’s not even funny. Also, the therapist I saw for six years, Tara Cunningham.  She really saved my life, and I have always looked up to her.  We parted ways about three years ago, but every once in a while, I’ll text her a little update, and when she responds, I may or may not leap in the air.  

HCH: What inspires you? Why?
SS: Music is a big one.  Music is like this crazy force of emotion and life.  I can’t always say what I’m feeling, but I can sing or play a song that says it all.  I also love Utah.  I lived there for a brief period in 2010 and 2011, and the nature there is so incredible.  It’s so calming and healing there.  That’s why I want to move back out there.

HCH: What are you doing this J-term? Why? Describe?
SS: I am teaching high school choir.  High school is rough, even at twenty-five.  I taught for the first time last Friday.  I got to practice my Evil Teacher Stare, and it was effective.  Exxxxcellent.
  
HCH: What is your favorite theater show you’ve been in? Do you have a favorite theater show to watch? Why?
SS: Definitely Ramona…. I mean, I basically got to play myself.  It was one of the hardest times of my life, but it was also so amazing.   I have to admit, though, I had an absolute blast singing in the pit with the band during 9 to 5!  My favorite show of all time is Next to Normal, followed by RENT.  I’ve seen both several times on Broadway, and I knew every line going in, but I was still on the edge of my seat.

HCH: Do you have a favorite choir piece? Is there one you’d like to do? Why?