How did you become interested in dance?
I started dancing at age four shortly after my Aunt brought me to Charlotte Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker. My parents tell me that I danced everywhere I went after seeing the show, displacing grocery store items and twirling into home lamps. I danced with the pre-professional school of Piedmont School of Music & Dance for twelve years, and am continuing my education and movement journey here at UNC Charlotte.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to perform for a couple of years after completing my undergraduate degree and then go to graduate school to become a licensed Occupational Therapist. I want to work with students with special needs, and incorporate Dance Movement Therapy strategies into my work.
What is your favorite thing about the Department of Dance?
I knew I wanted to dance in college, so I applied to schools with well-known, high-quality dance programs and attended their auditions. UNC Charlotte stood out to me because the faculty and current students were so kind, positive, and knowledgeable at the open house. My favorite thing about the Department of Dance is its encouraging and challenging environment, where everyone collaborates to create opportunities and a rich learning experience. This was missing at many of the other schools in which I toured and auditioned. I feel very blessed that I found such a wonderful school that offers a diverse learning experience for all levels of dancers, and that cultivates a tight-knit community of incredible faculty and students.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I currently work at two privately owned dance studios. I teach 3/4-year-olds and 5/6-year-olds ballet and tap at Piedmont School of Music and Dance, and I teach teens ballet and pointe at The Worship Movement. I am also a member of the Department of Dance's Student Advisory Council and observe/help with an adult's special needs dance class conducted at Charlotte Ballet.
What's one thing you have gained from the University Honors Program?
I have gained a unique, diverse community of like-minded friends and collaborators through the Honors Program, and built my critical thinking skills, global awareness, and cultural sensitivity.
Can you talk about your experience as a scholarship student?
I have had the honor of receiving the Chancellor’s scholarship, Clara McKay and Charles H. Stone Scholarship for Dance, Crown Scholars Fund Honors College Scholarship, and Dance Scholarship through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I also have a National Merit Special Scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The application process for any scholarship at UNC Charlotte and beyond is demanding, and very competitive. I am so thankful for these scholarships and would not be here without them. These scholarships are opportunities for me to give more time and energy to improving the school and the greater Charlotte community since I do not have to work as much due to receiving them. I hope to demonstrate the ideals of a Noble Niner and further my love of learning, helping others, and leading my colleagues to do the same during my time at UNC Charlotte.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to work out, hike, play tennis, spend time with my family watching movies or playing board games, bike, read, and eat/hang out with friends!