What made you choose MHC?
I’m originally from Colorado, but my family and I flew out to the East Coast to tour colleges last year. Mount Holyoke wasn’t originally on our list, actually- we visited Amherst but toured [Mount Holyoke] out of interest, and it floated close to the top of my list. [Mount Holyoke] seemed like my ‘natural fit’ college. We also have a strong program in the sciences- I initially had my heart set on musical theatre, but steered away from the arts after speaking with a mentor. He basically advised I find a ‘backup plan’- strangely, people say the same things about doctors as actors. Neither make that much money, actually- but I would prefer not to waitress in New York for the rest of my life.
Do you have an interest in medicine?
I did, but that quickly changed after I took chemistry last semester- didn’t like that class at all. I’m now gravitating towards public health- incorporated more social science coursework into my schedule this semester, actually! I’m taking politics and it’s amazing- I love that class.
There must be a lot of reading you have to do.
Yeah- there’s a lot of work involved- very reading and writing intensive. I think the payoff is worth it, though- I wouldn’t have come out from Colorado to Massachusetts to slack off. I grew up associating the East Coast with great schools like Mount Holyoke, and I feel very fortunate to be here. I’m here to work hard and have fun along the way!
That’s great! Where did you grow up in Colorado?
Boulder!
You must be excited to return home for break- what do you miss most about Boulder?
Of course! I love the mountains- the outdoors makes Colorado for me. My dad and I spent a lot of time in Rocky Mountain National Park my senior year of high school- ah, those were the days. I really do miss it- my family, friends, hiking and so much more. I also miss community theatre- musicals were a huge part of my life and I want to see some shows when I go home!
Once you got to college, how did you continue your interest in theatre?
Mount Holyoke doesn’t do musicals all that often, so I got involved in music-based extracurriculars instead. I joined three choirs last semester I wouldn’t recommend doing that, as it caused instant burnout for me. I’ve cut down my extracurricular commitments- I’m now involved in just one choir and recently performed in the Big Broadcast! It was a lot of fun- I’m a huge fan of jazz music, so that show became my outlet to let loose, perform and just have a good time.
Would you consider singing to be your artistic specialty/interest?
Definitely. I’ve been singing since the sixth grade- sang a lot of jazz growing up, which is why I chose our jazz choir on campus.
Who are some of your favorite jazz artists?
I listen to a range of jazz musicians- I appreciate the classics like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, but I also really enjoy newer acts. The Manhattan Transfer is a more contemporary group I love, for example. I chose the jazz choir at Mount Holyoke because it’s the genre I appreciate most when it comes to performing.
In addition to your background in jazz, you also trained in musical theatre for six years. What are some of your favorite shows?
I love anything with Bernadette Peters in it, to be honest. She’s a legendary triple threat- Into the Woods is one of my favorite shows! Stephen Sondheim composed the score, which probably attributed to its greatness. Sondheim’s done everything- West Side Story, Gypsy, Company and so many others. He’s been around for generations.
Of all the roles you’ve played, which one challenged you the most?
I portrayed Fraulein Kost in a community production of Cabaret- I’d say it was the most challenging role I’ve ever done. She’s very different from me- unlike her, I am not a prostitute nor do I support the Nazi Party. All the characters I’d done previously were pretty wholesome and naïve- I was Young Cosette in Les Miserables, for example. In real life, I’m just a girl Colorado who loves the outdoors, singing and science!
You’ve been here for a little over a semester- what courses have you liked the most? Have you settled on any majors yet?
I came into Mount Holyoke thinking I’d be doing neuroscience- I still am, but I’ve incorporated more social science into my course schedule this semester. I’m taking politics right now and I love the class- lots of reading, lots of writing (very laborious!) but I’ve learned so much. I wouldn’t have made the trek out to the East Coast if I didn’t intend on working hard in school. Although I really like science, the the liberal arts curriculum allows us to explore so many avenues- I can reap the benefits of knowing a little bit about everything.