Spanish and Music

I’m from a small town outside of Rochester, New York. I attended a larger public school (approximately 1500 students), where I heavily involved myself in the Model United Nations Club and the music program. I participated in solo festivals and various honor ensembles on the clarinet. I also did the really cool things, such as marching band, for six years -- and absolutely loved it. In short, I am a band geek and completely proud of it.
My parents are my biggest support system. The way they raised me, how they taught me to view life, and emphasized the importance of a relationship with God are what I believe set me on my path to Hillsdale College and best prepared me to tackle life.

I actually did not initially plan to attend Hillsdale. I started my college search with the intent of pursuing music education. I thought that I would attend a state school in New York because of the convenience of being near home. I repeatedly said that I wanted to be no more than three hours away. Of course, that fell through, as Hillsdale is eight hours away from home for me. But as I continued my application process, I found myself not as enthused with the idea of music education at the schools I was considering. I remembered that my dad had mentioned some school that started with an “H” that he would like to me to at least look at, but as stubborn teenagers often do, I ignored him. When I finally asked him for the name to look up the school on Collegeboard, I could tell he was pleased that I put Hillsdale in consideration. As I began looking into the school, I fell in love with it, just over the computer. A school that teaches the way that Hillsdale does, has the philosophy and mission that it has, and backs that stand with sound reasoning was something that I had never seen before, nor thought existed. I determined in that three-hour search that I wanted to go to Hillsdale. What also aided my decision was the fact that Hillsdale does not accept federal aid. Because of that, I recognized that my potential acceptance would be solely based on my personal qualities and potential to succeed at Hillsdale, rather than just because I'm considered a racial minority, as would be the case at many schools.

What I like best about Hillsdale would have to be the environment. The environment is established by the mission of Hillsdale from its foundation and reaffirmed through documents such as the Honor Code and lived out through the students, faculty, and staff of the College. Hillsdale’s uniqueness in that regard is almost palpable. It’s kind of hard to describe; it’s more or less something that one would have to experience.

After graduation, there are so many things that I want to do. I’d love to go into ministry and/or counseling, working with teenage girls or possibly the disabled, and teach clarinet lessons on the side. But in all honesty, I’m open to whatever God’s plans are and what opportunities lay before me.

As far as unique experiences, I have had the opportunity to play in the College’s Symphony Orchestra and join Pi Beta Phi sorority, two things, especially the sorority, that I never thought that I’d do, let alone succeed in. On the side of volunteerism, I have been blessed, truly blessed, with the opportunity to go once a week to the Manor home in Jonesville, which is like a group home for children with disabilities from birth or disabilities developed through various types of abuse. Through my service to the Manor children, I get to see how much I can make a difference in someone’s life, just with my consistent presence, a smile and a hello. It’s amazing to me that what seems insignificant to me and others who have been blessed with lives similar to me means the world to those who have next to nothing. What I also have found unique through my involvement in volunteerism on Hillsdale’s campus is the willingness of students to serve others because that’s what is in their heart to do, not because they are required to do so.

My favorite professor story? Goodness, that’s hard. I really enjoyed my first English class on campus: Rhetoric and Great Books with Dr. Jackson. I remember getting my first paper back, and getting a minus. Just a minus. No letter grade. That sounds awful and a lot worse than it was in reality, but that instance humbled me and pushed me to work harder than I ever had to in school. It makes me laugh a little and reminds me that life is difficult, but you get over the hurdles and keep moving forward. Dr. Jackson’s lectures were awesome and I learned a lot, and all of my grades have substantially improved since then.

Hillsdale’s core is the coolest thing to me, especially the Heritage classes. I learned so much more about what was brushed over in all of my classes in high school. I also understood the foundations of Hillsdale and what is meant by Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian heritage. I started considering a history major after experiencing those classes. What I also love about the core, particularly in the humanities portions, is the learning from primary sources -- no textbooks. It gives the students the ability to draw their own conclusions and see what was really said by the best thinkers. I also appreciate the fact that we are taught a little of everything, so we leave Hillsdale with a broader perspective and understanding of how the world works.

kcash@hillsdale.edu