Anthropology and music are things I became passionate about in high school, and my interest in them has only grown since I've been at Miami. I was able to combine the two last summer when I went on a study abroad trip to Indonesia with Dr. William Albin of Miami's music department. He and I and three graduate students went to study Balinese music and culture.

It was an incredible experience. I was fortunate enough to go out and see several different performances, try out some of their instruments, and speak with the performers. I learned they have a type of music ensemble that's similar to the competitive drum lines that I've been a part of in the past. When I got back, I gave a presentation to the music deaprtment on different types of Balinese music and how it reflects Balinese culture.

I'm a member of the symphony orchestra, the steel band, and I perform at Global Rhythms—two annual concerts that feature music from non-Western cultures often using non-Western instruments and vocals. It's fun to be part of these groups. We all have to work as a team for a good performance to happen. When it all comes together, it's a really cool feeling.

I've met so many great people in the music department, including Dr. Glenn Davis, who teaches music theory. He's so funny; he used to be in a rock band, and I think he's still kind of a hippie at heart. He's a brilliant composer and knows so much about music theory.

In anthropology, I've really enjoyed taking a course from Dr. Cameron Hay-Rollins. Her field is medical anthropology, and she's passionate about poverty and healthcare. All of the projects I did for her class really cemented my interest in ethnography. I got the chance to do in-depth writing assignments and research, and she was very helpful whenever I was struggling.

I'm also interested in food sustainability related to culture. I've read Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and "In Defense of Food" and Paul Roberts's "The End of Food." I think the issue of food sustainability is important because food is something that all people interact with on a daily basis. It's interesting how many cultural food traditions are being shaped by globalization. I'd like to continue educating myself on this subject.