Music

The Pacific Northwest has always been home to my parents and my four sisters. As a self-employed business man, my dad supported us while my mom homeschooled all five girls. My early days were spent reenacting the Civil War with my sisters in our half-acre wooded lot, building cannons or cars out of Radio Flyer wagons – typical girl family, I know – or filling the sink with unnecessary dishes in quest of baking the perfect cookie. Amid school, sports, debate, work and family/friend time, I spent countless hours practicing, writing, and performing music with my sisters. Music became my job during the week, my enjoyment in the evening, and my worship on Sunday morning. God blessed me incredibly with countless opportunities that led me on a path to discovering his calling on my life: to bring music and my passion for Him together in the Church.

I jokingly say I didn’t choose Hillsdale. My dear sister dragged me behind her with enthusiastic stories of brilliant, caring professors, fascinating, eye-opening classes, and friends who knew how to work hard while having fun doing it. Even though reluctant at first, I can honestly say it was the best decision of my life. Thanks be to God for his plan and to my sister and my parents for convincing me of that plan.

The ability to deepen my faith rather than fight the attacks found on any other liberal campus across the nation. In whatever class I find myself, the professors have no qualms about relating all the ideas and historical events back to their original Creator. My studies here can flourish in my Christian foundation. I am free to research and write on the moral and religious applications of any discipline without fear of being attacked for my beliefs.

Besides the obvious, finding the love of my life, I plan to serve in worship ministry. Whether at home or on campus, worship music is my passion. No matter where God calls me in the coming years, I will be able to use the music that glorifies His name in the church where He has placed me, in the role of a ministry abroad or while at home with a family I someday hope to have.

Amid the craziness of freshman year and three weeks prior to Hillsdale’s Battle of the Bands, several friends and I, ranging from freshmen to seniors, formed a country music band that became like a family for that whole year. We not only performed several times throughout the year, but we also wrote and performed original songs, not to mention filming a music video! Praise God for the unique gifts and talents of the people around me that make for amazing opportunities and experiences!

My favorite professor story isn’t really related to school at all. My favorite moment is when I am out for a run around the streets of Hillsdale and the car slowing down to wave at you is not a scary phenomenon but your professor greeting you with a cheerful hello. These are Hillsdale’s professors.

Not to sound cliché, but it really did awaken a love for learning that I didn’t know was possible. Coming in as a business/music major, I was not entirely sure how I would fare in intense history and English classes. These classes taught me that history is not limited to dates and facts while English is not limited to romantic verses only quoted by movie heroines. I love seeing where science, philosophy, politics and religion intersect. My mom can attest to my daily phone calls excitedly reporting the newest Dr. Kalthoff or Dr. Birzer light bulb moments.

hbuccola@hillsdale.edu