Hometown: Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Age: 21
Major: Speech Communication with a concentration in Broadcasting
Graduation: December of 2015
What do you plan to do after graduation?: I’m not quite sure what I want to do just yet! I currently have a marketing internship with a real estate company and I’ve been offered a position to be their social media associate for next semester. If it turns into a full time position, I would love to take advantage of the opportunity! Whatever I plan on doing, I really hope I can go and try to continue theater and acting professionally! Maybe one day I can be on television, who knows? We shall see.
Why did you choose your major?: I actually wanted to be a theater major when I first got to college, but my mom always says if I already have the skills and know what I’m doing I should just go out and do it, no need to waste time studying it. I chose to be a broadcasting major because I love being on camera and the radio. It closely resembles performing in some aspects and it gives me a chance to create a sort of art. I love editing videos and creating playlists that will be heard on air for my radio show. It gives me satisfaction knowing someone appreciates what they have seen or heard with my work and it makes me feel that I’m doing something right.
What are you involved in on or off campus? I am involved with a lot of activities on campus. I participate in the various University Theater shows during the semester. I am also a member of the two theater organizations on campus: Citamard Players and the All Campus Musical Organization (ACMO). I am also a DJ on WIXQ and have my own classic rock show called “The Furey” that plays every Monday from 5-7a.m.! I also work at the University Store during the semester, and I have just started a new position as a SHARP Team tour guide this semester!
Which shows have you been involved with at your time at Millersville? I have been involved with a variety of shows here at Millersville. Since my freshman year I have been in Teibele and Her Demon, Once Upon A…, Bare: A Pop Opera, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, Ages Ago, Legally Blonde the Musical, “8”, That Good Night, Our Town, Ardent Heights of Midnight Flowers, and I have been part of a couple of benefit concerts, singing showcases, and student directed short plays. Next semester, I will be playing Frosine in Moliere’s The Miser! It’s going to be very funny, I can’t wait!
What was your favorite theater role you’ve ever had? So far my favorite role I have been was Paulette in Legally Blonde the Musical! The character was so outrageous and over-the –top! It gave me a chance to show off my comedic skills and make people laugh! I love to make others laugh more than anything, so to get the chance to go all out with silly voices and crazy dance moves on stage makes it all worthwhile to me. I was also blessed to be nominated for an acting competition based on my performance as Paulette. It was a wonderful opportunity and I’m so glad to have had that experience! That show was without doubt one I am forever grateful for and will remember for as long as I live.
What advice would you give to students thinking about trying out for a show? I would say if you are thinking of trying out for a show, just do it! A lot of people say they don’t like auditioning for shows because it’s too intimidating or they don’t feel like they are good enough. To me, it’s the same as interviewing for a job. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there and show everyone what you can do! You never know what you can accomplish if you don’t try. Even if you hear “no,” you can at least say you gave it your all. Just like in the job market, you’re going to hear a lot of “no’s” before you get your big break. So I would say don’t let fears take over you from doing something you want to do, like trying out for a show. Go out, have fun and be yourself! Be willing to show everyone what you got, and let them know how awesome you are!
I know you had an internship at Disney World, can you talk a little about that? My friends had told me about this program for college students called the Disney College Program. Basically, it gives college students from all around the world the opportunity to work for the Walt Disney Company at one of the many Disney World parks. I applied in February of 2013 and was accepted for their fall program! So from August 2013- January 2014 I got to take a semester off and work at Disney World! I worked in their attractions program at EPCOT on their most popular ride Soarin’. It was a very interesting experience to say the least! I got to see how Disney World operates from an employee perspective, and I got to create memories for numerous guests from all over the world! I made some amazing friends whom I still keep in touch with, and on top of that, I got to go to Disney World every day (for FREE); can’t beat that! I will say, it was tough at times, especially over the holidays when I had to work and be far away from my family. But overall, it was a great experience. I tell everyone that asks me about the program to try it. You gain valuable work experience, learn all about the skills it takes to promote great customer service from one of the top Fortune 500 companies, and it is an excellent resume booster! Once I put working at Disney on my resume, I received a TON of internship offers! It definitely has helped me further my work experience and has prepared me for the job market!
What is your favorite thing about Millersville? My favorite thing about Millersville is all of the great opportunities the school offers for students. When you first come to Millersville, they expose you to a variety of clubs and activities you can join during Organizational Outbreak. I think college is hard when you first start out. It’s the first time that you are completely independent and away from home and those you grew up with in high school. So having all of these clubs available makes finding friends who enjoy the same things as you do is such an easy transition! On top of that, it keeps students busy and makes college more fun! It’s boring just sitting in your dorm all the time with nothing to do, so being involved on campus helps make your college experience even better. College goes by so fast; it feels like just yesterday I was a freshman! If you just sit around all the time you’re going to miss out on all of the wonderful things this campus has to offer. I have made so many friends and countless memories by joining the clubs on campus that include the hobbies I love to do.
What will you miss most when you leave Millersville? I will definitely miss all of the wonderful friends I have made at Millersville once I graduate. The people you meet in school are sort of like a family. I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t met all of the wonderful friends I made here. They have honestly made my years at Millersville some of the best years of my life. I don’t know where the future is going to take me, but it’s so nice to know I have some of the greatest friends who I can always rely on and go to whenever I need them.
What is one word you would use to describe yourself? I would definitely say crazy! I love being silly and making people laugh wherever I go. Laughter definitely helps relieve stress, and I think everyone could use a bit of a relief every once in a while. Now if that means going out in the world and making a ridiculous face in public or doing some outrageous voice or impression for people, then I have no shame in making a fool of myself! I love being crazy!
Do you have any hidden talents? I do a killer Britney Spears impression. I’ve practiced her voice for years, and I think I’ve got it down pat. Sometimes when I’m bored, I’ll just start singing her songs the way she does. I’ve had people say I sound just like her that it’s creepy… I guess that means it’s good! I should learn how to dance and then I’ll have the whole Britney package down. Haha!