Almost Five Years and Countless Memories: A Senior Reflects
As the first semester of 2018 nears its end, some among the student body will be celebrating the end of their first college semester. For others, it will be their last.
Among these grizzled undergraduate veterans is super-senior Abigail Hall.
To say the least, her college career was filled with countless inspiring experiences and life-defining moments. What is most interesting, however, is how she reflects on her nine semesters at Viterbo: with a down-to-earth attitude and an honesty that speaks to wisdom beyond her years.
For instance, despite saying that her major path had not changed throughout her career, her perspective had.
As she originally auditioned for music theatre, she was asked to write down, in order, which of the program’s three pillars—music, acting, and dance—meant the most to her.
Because she placed the terms in that exact order, she was directed to an audition with the Music Department, where she found her home. Her double major with history has stayed constant throughout her career, but what has changed is how she approached her music.
In her junior year, she switched from a Bachelor of Music to a Bachelor of Arts in Music, which lowered her music credit requirements and allowed her to add a Religious Studies minor, because, as she said with a smile, “Obviously, I didn’t have enough things to do.”
When asked about experiences that defined her undergraduate journey and shaped her career path, she cited several research projects with faculty members, including a study of American Civil War music.
Abigail thoroughly enjoyed her research because it represents a blend of structure and creativity, enabling her to develop her interests and do interdisciplinary work with her dual majors.
One of her final and most defining endeavors, an internship at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., truly cemented her career aspirations. “Each time I did a bigger project outside of school, what I enjoyed most was teaching,” explains Abigail.
As she considered this passion, weighing it against an interest in possibly pursuing Museum Studies, her Smithsonian experience made her realize that teaching was truly what she wanted to pursue.
“What I missed was formulating relationships with people--seeing how they’ve learned through the progression of time.”
As Abigail looks to the future, her aspirations are simple and clear. “In five years, I would like to be teaching [history] in either Wisconsin or Minnesota.”
Regarding the present day, she described what she would miss the most about Viterbo. “I will miss my professors…probably the most,” she explains, “and just being in the environment.” Abigail explains her environment held much love and support.
Regarding advice from a student who has dabbled in many different disciplines and subjects, Abigail says, “Be open to opportunities; do not be afraid to try anything.”
In closing, she would like to thank several individuals. The first is Dr. Shoenecker of the Music Department. Her reason: “[She] has held me together for four and a half years.” Next, Dr. Haupert, also of the Music Department, for “always pushing me to do more.” Finally, professors Hamilton and Bersagel-Braley “for always being welcoming and letting me be creative in my own way…and making the South Africa trip possible.”
Truly, Viterbo has given this super-senior a springboard to a super future.