Music
I have always enjoyed being on a stage. In my younger years, I was focused particularly on performing in musicals and performing in Classical Recitals. In high school I taught myself to play guitar and ukulele while studying the basics of music theory and expanded my performance opportunities. Since getting to Skidmore I started a band with some of my friends. Most recently, my band, Baseball Cat performed in Skidmore College’s Skidmania, a music based, fundraising event which sold out both nights of performance. I am grateful every day that I have had the opportunity to shine on stage and learn how to speak and perform in front of large groups of people. And I know wherever I go in life, music is deep. within me
Author performing in Skidmania ’73 at the Authur Zankel Music Center. Photo taken by Kristina Constantino.
Cooking
All the women in my family are talented cooks. They instilled in me the value of a home-cooked meal as an anchor for family life and as an expression of love. My grandmothers and mother helped me learn and understand indispensable skills as they taught me to cook. Recipes provided structure and also gave me a framework for experimentation and expression. I am mastering the art of time management in order to cook and serve not just a dish but an entire meal at once. Most importantly, cooking provides the opportunity to learn from mistakes and try again.
Author (in orange) participating in a cooking competition at her high school. Photo taken by Rudy Brandl.
Archaeology
Although this is a more academically driven area of my life, I would say that I have a passion for Archaeology. Since the first day I stuck a trowel in the ground at the Denton Homesite on Skidmore College’s campus, I have known that is something I want to do for the rest of my life. It is such a special and privileged career to be in. I feel especially lucky that I have had the opportunity to pull things from the ground that were hundreds if not thousands of years old.
Author at the Ancient Eleon Archaeological Site. Photo taken by Joe Bellows.
