What leadership roles and/or volunteer experiences have you had?

I participate extensively in the Dance Department by dancing in numerous pieces each semester for guest choreographers, graduate students, and undergraduate students. I am also very active in the Student Dance Association, where I serve as Secretary and teach a tap class. Outside of dance, I recently received a position as a Resident Assistant, and am involved in the Residence Halls Association. I am also involved in the Primmanum Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, academic honor societies that participate in community service activities each semester.

What is your favorite campus setting and why?

My favorite campus setting is the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Since I'm a dance major, I spend most of my time in this building taking class, rehearsing, or studying in the library. I have had many wonderful experiences and have met many great dancers in this building. I have also formed some meaningful relationships while sitting in the hallways relaxing before classes. CSPAC also houses the Dance Theatre, which is a beautiful facility with a great floor for taking dance classes and performing. Overall, CSPAC is my favorite place on campus because of all the wonderful experiences I have had there.

Why is the University of Maryland special to you?

The University of Maryland is special to me because it has provided me with so many great opportunities both in academics and in extracurricular activities. Academically, I have had excellent professors who have pushed me to produce high-quality and thought-provoking work. The University has also been flexible, allowing me to double major and earn an Honors citation. During my academic career, I have formed some special relationships with professors who have gone the extra mile to give me additional opportunities and help me out in any way possible. Through extracurricular activities, particularly those in the dance department, I have had numerous opportunities to dance and work closely with faculty members and other esteemed dancers and choreographers. I have also had the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center and travel to a dance conference. Finally, the University of Maryland is special to me because I have formed so many meaningful and significant friendships.

What has your scholarship meant to you or enabled you to do?

My scholarship has enabled me to further my dance education both at the University of Maryland and outside of college. My scholarship has also allowed me to take more leadership roles in the Dance Department.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Maryland?

I chose to attend the University of Maryland mainly because of the Dance Department. When I visited UM, I had the opportunity to observe a dance class, watch a dance showing, and meet a few of the faculty members. The dancers seemed to be focused, friendly, and hard-working, and the faculty seemed very committed to the program and the dancers. I was very impressed that the department houses a different resident artist every two years and also holds dance residencies each semester. Overall, the department seemed to create a wonderful learning enviroment that would push me to produce my best work and provide me with an outstanding education.

What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is a statement that Michael Jordan once made. He said, "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." This quote reminds me that I must constantly work hard to achieve my goals, and if I do work hard enough, I can reach them.

Who do you admire and find is a source of inspiration to you?

One person who I greatly admire and who has been a source of inspiration for me is my mother. My mother has worked hard her whole life to achieve her goals and has taught me to do the same. She always pushes me to do my best and challenges me to be a better person. She constantly supports me and encourages me to work harder to achieve my goals and my dreams. She always tells me that if I work hard enough, I will succeed, and she has proven that to me through her life. She signed me up for ballet when I was three years old and has supported my dreams of dancing ever since. She is a strong and amazing woman and I hope I exhibit as many good qualities as she does.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

After I graduate from UM with a double major in Dance and English, my goal is to attend graduate school right away for an MFA in dance. Ultimately, my aspirations are to become a dance professor. I would love to teach modern, ballet, tap, and dance history at a college. I also intend to write dance articles and eventually write a comprehensive dance history book.

How will you make a positive difference in the world?

I will make a positive difference in the world by touching as many lives as possible and strongly advocating for the arts. I would like to donate money to arts organizations to help get arts into the schools and the community so all people are exposed to the arts at a young age. I would also like to volunteer to help make dance more prominent in the community by performing and teaching in schools or at other outreach programs. In addition, I would like to volunteer for other community causes, and someday form a non-profit organization that supports the arts in my community.