Since I last saw you, you have moved to Athens, started college, and begun your journey as a Redcoat Marching Band member. How has everything been so far?
So far, it’s been really fun being in the band. The trombone section is male-dominated. Out of 33 trombonists, there are only three females. That’s been a big adjustment for me. But everyone is super nice. I had never been to a Georgia game before joining the band. Experiencing the Dawg Walk and being so close to all the players was super cool.

Your schedule must be super busy. How do you balance your education, band commitments, and social life as a freshman at the University of Georgia?
It was difficult in the first few weeks because it was so different from anything I experienced in high school. UGA holds you to a high standard. Fortunately, I was in a program before classes started that helped me learn the campus, find out where my classes were going to be, and start practicing an 8-to-5 workday. Also, UGA incorporates an odyssey class into a first-year student’s schedule. I am taking a yoga class once a week for an hour. It really helps me decompress.

Being part of such a long-standing tradition at UGA must be exciting. What has been a highlight of your time in the band so far?
The first home game was surreal. We got to do our first
pregame. The echo of the crowd when they yelled, “Go Dawgs!” was so exciting. We have also gotten to do exhibitions where we go play for other high school bands. We recently did the Northeast Georgia Marching Exhibition and had the honor of playing with and for Apalachee High School.

When I spoke to you back in August, you had hoped that your experience as a delegate on the Washington Youth Tour would help you better adjust to college life in terms of meeting new people. Do you feel that is still true?
Yes. I’m kind of introverted, so the Washington Youth Tour
helped me break out of my bubble. I enjoy answering questions in class and getting to meet new people. Everyone here is from such different geographic areas, but when we talk, I know there is most likely something we are going to have in common.

Now that you have a few months under your belt, what do you see yourself doing after college?
I’m going to major in Music Education and hopefully work with Pre-K through 5th grade kids that have special needs, and just teach them music while facilitating their learning experience.