A bubbly and bright Siena student, it’s not surprising as to why Taryn is this week’s Campus Celebrity. Taryn is involved, in her own words, “in ten billion things on campus.” From planning events like Fall Fusion to performing in Open Mic Nights, Taryn is a well-known figure on campus. Read on to find out more about Taryn!
Name: Taryn Dwyer
Major: Social Work
Year: Junior
Hometown: Lincoln Park, New Jersey
Fun Fact About Taryn: When she was a freshman, she won Siena’s Voice competition.
HC: So, Taryn, what are you involved with here on campus?
Taryn: Okay, well I’m a Resident Assistant in Ryan, I am the President of Asian Student Association, I am a member of hip hop group, I sing with the Siena College chorus, and I am actively involved with Open Mic Nights from SEB.
HC: You recently won second place at one of the Open Mic Nights when you played the guitar? You have a gorgeous voice.
Taryn: Thank you, thank you, I appreciate it! Yes, I did!
HC: When it comes to you performing, do you ever get nervous?
Taryn: Open Mic Nights are pretty laid back, they don’t make me that nervous. I like the competitive spirit and I do it because I think it’s fun. I get to be silly. One of my first Open Mic Nights, I sang an acoustic cover of “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj when I was a freshman. Everyone was like, “did you just sing Nicki Minaj?!” And I was like, “heck yeah I did!”
HC: Wow! You definitely enjoy Open Mic Nights. Does any other kind of performing make you nervous?
Taryn: For more serious performing, like Fall Fusion or anything that involves performing for an actual show, sometimes I get super nervous. Sometimes I’ll like blackout a little bit. Um, yeah, one time when I performed for the student production of Rent last semester, I sang in front of people and I just don’t remember it! I was watching a video of it the other day, and I was like, wow I did that? So sometimes, I’ll black out a little bit and I’m still good…but I don’t remember.
HC: That is so weird! But out of all the things you’re involved with on campus including performing, what is your favorite?
Taryn: Oh, God, I have to pick? I actually I really really really love being a Resident Assistant. It allows me to use my different interests and put them in my job. So when I do programs, I really like to craft, so my first program involved crafting mason jars. I also get to live with awesome, wonderful girls. They’re great, I love them.
HC: So sweet! What would you say to someone who is considering becoming an RA?
Taryn: I would say if someone is thinking about being an RA, the best thing to do is ask questions. What is the job really about? What does it entail? Is being a Resident Assistant right for me? I have found it to be one of the most rewarding things I have done on this campus, and even if you’re just thinking about it just a tiny bit, it’s worth looking into.
HC: That’s really great advice. Now, Taryn, you mentioned Fall Fusion earlier. Can you tell me a little bit more about that?
Taryn: Fall Fusion is the annual Fall talent showcase we have on campus. It’s run by Asian Student Association, and associated with the other affinity clubs on campus such as BLSU, LUNA, MSU, and GSA all help run it. Basically it’s just a big talent showcase. It will be on November 14, at 7 PM in the Maloney Great Room. The theme is Flashback Friday! And it’s a really fun night and it’s great to see all the kinds of talent on campus. Last year we had singers, dancers, poetry readers, and it’s a really good time. I really like being a part of it.
HC: Will you be performing as well?
Taryn: Yes I will be performing. It wouldn’t feel right if I wasn’t, I’ve done it every year! Can’t stop now.
HC: Can you give us a little hint of what you’ll be performing this year?
Taryn: I’m thinking a little bit of NSYNC…
Catch Taryn and other great acts at Fall Fusion on November 14th!