Award-Winning Contribution: “Wander-Thirst” by Florence Price
Twenty-five thousand global streams on Spotify—a milestone I never imagined—became a reality through my work with the Schola Cantorum collegiate choir. As a freshman at the University of Arkansas, I joined this prestigious group, which led to an extraordinary opportunity: recording the world-premiere album, ‘Wander-Thirst: The Choral Music of Florence Price.’ This landmark project, celebrating the pioneering work of the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major US orchestra, garnered 3rd Place in the 2024 Ernst Bacon Award from The American Prize. The success of this collaborative project was a result of devoted, collective focus and individual dedication, demonstrating the power of aligned attention to detail in achieving a shared artistic goal. It was a transformative experience, and I’m immensely proud to have contributed to this beautiful tribute to Florence Price’s legacy.
To learn more, visit Fulbright Review: The official blog for the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences
3D Printing: Independent Physics Project
Upon graduating high school in spring 2022, I eagerly anticipated the start of my college journey in the fall. As a physics major enrolled in the Honors College, I enrolled in University Physics 1, and it was announced that honors students were tasked with an independent project. I chose to design and construct a modified half-Atwood’s Machine with a variable mass. This endeavor provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with the University of Arkansas Physics Department, utilizing their resources for research, design, and 3D printing. The initial consultation with the 3D printing technician, where I received expert guidance on the model’s design, was a particularly valuable and memorable experience. This project, from initial conceptualization to final fabrication, honed my problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit. I’m exceptionally proud of this project, which demonstrates my capacity to tackle complex scientific challenges and deliver tangible results—a skill set I believe is highly transferable to any professional environment.
Strengthening Community: My Volunteer Work at Potter’s House
As a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, I have upheld our fundamental commitment to community service. Over the past three years, I’ve consistently chosen Potter’s House Thrift Store for my volunteer work. Potter’s House, serving Fayetteville, Springdale, and Siloam Springs, Arkansas, is a non-profit dedicated to strengthening its community through diverse relationships. Their core values—prioritizing relationships, holistic health, affirming individual dignity, promoting diverse cultural unity, and centering their mission in faith—are evident in their daily operations, which I’ve personally witnessed through my involvement.
Volunteering at Potter’s House has significantly enhanced my attention to detail and teamwork skills. Collaborating with staff and fellow volunteers on tasks like pricing, sorting, and organizing has provided practical experience in efficient task management and cooperative work environments. This experience has been particularly valuable, reinforcing the importance of meticulousness and collaboration—qualities I believe are essential in all jobs. I highly recommend Potter’s House to anyone seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity that fosters both personal and professional growth.
To learn more about this organization, you can visit the Potter’s House website