"Reflection on My Woods Journey"- Allee Taylor: MT Senior Reflection

 

Allee Taylor, Ring Day 2020

     It’s hard to believe that my four years at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is coming to an end. I have wanted to come to SMWC since I was old enough to know about college. I am a legacy student, and I grew up coming to the Woods on a regular basis. I remember being a kid and wanting nothing more than to perform on the Cecilian Auditorium stage. My aunt and my cousin were both very involved in the Music and Theatre department. I wanted nothing more than to follow in their footsteps.
    I remember the day Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was Canonized. I was young and didn’t fully understand, but I saw what it meant to the women around me. I saw how much wearing the Onyx ring meant to them. I saw the pride they had in being a Woodsie. I grew up supported by strong Woods women and they helped me become a strong Woods woman myself.

Allee with family - Woods women!

     One of my greatest experiences in college was being a part of the SMWC Madrigals. Both my aunt and cousin were Madrigals during their time at the Woods. Because of that, I knew being a Madrigal was something special. It is hard to put into words what being a Madrigal means to me. I am truly honored to have been a part of this group.

SMWC Madrigals performing in Conservatory

    

    I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Ireland with the Madrigals… TWICE! The first trip to Ireland was following my Freshman year. I got to tour a country that I love, with people that I love, singing beautiful music in amazing spaces. It was life changing. That trip is where I developed strong bonds with my peers, developing friendships that would last a lifetime.  

Choir in Ireland 2018

      The second trip to Ireland was different. For this trip, the Madrigals had been invited to participate in the 2019 Mayo County International Choral Festival. Our group of nine young women and our choir director, Michael Boswell, competed at an international level against choirs much bigger and more experienced than our own. Who would have thought that those same nine women would take home an international championship? This is one of my proudest accomplishments. But, what really made that trip for me wasn’t the trophies and the title; but it was the bonds that were formed between the members of the group. The connection I felt to the other Madrigals during that trip was extremely special. I will never forget the amazing memories we made together.

SMWC Madrigals after winning the 2019 Mayo County 
International Choral Festival Competition

     One of the best things about the Woods are the traditions. Traditions like Big/Little, the acorn ceremony, Ring Day, and so many more. These traditions make the Woods so unique and special. Big/Little is such an amazing tradition. My “bigs,” Sara Langenberger and Liz Yeazel, were extremely supportive throughout my journey at the Woods. They helped me through so many things and have always been there to support me. I love that this tradition helps the students build these bonds with one another. It really impacts the college experience.

Allee with Sara and Liz

     Another special tradition is Ring Day. I have been fantasizing about my Ring Day since I was a little girl. I watched my family wear their rings with such pride and honor. I could hardly wait to get one of my own. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Ring Day got postponed and it was a very emotional time. The dreams of having Ring Day in the Church of the Immaculate Conception were not realized (understandably so). Even though we were unable to have a traditional Ring Day in the spring of our junior year, we were still able to have a beautiful, memorable ceremony in the Sunken Gardens in front of Le Fer Hall in the fall of our senior year.

Ring Day 2020

     I think that people can often take living in Le Fer for granted. Le Fer is like a huge castle with so much history and energy in the walls. It is amazing. I had the honor to be a Resident Assistant in my final year of college. I am so glad to have been able to connect with, and support, the residents of 4N and all the residents in Le Fer. 

     Something that has also been important to me in my time at the Woods is the theatre program.  I have been involved in every production since my first year at SMWC. I have worked as the Student Assistant for the Technical Director and Production Manager the past two years and also worked as Assistant to the Director of theater productions (who was my cousin Danielle O'Connor) my first two years. I have devoted a lot of time, energy, and love into theatre at the Woods. One of my favorite memories was getting the opportunity to play the lead role of Violet in the fall of 2019. I will never forget the amazing experiences I had on that stage.

Allee as "Violet" in SMWC theater production 

     I have also dedicated a lot of time to student organizations including being president of the Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA), president of the Drama Club, a member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), and being a Senior and Junior class officer. It has been an amazing experience to be president of MTSA, with an opportunity to advocate and share my love of music therapy with the members of the student association.

Music Therapy Student Association 2019-20

     I am so happy that I chose the path of music therapy. Being a music therapy major can be difficult at times, but the work is very rewarding. Music therapy pushes you to become the best version of yourself. Over my time in the Music and Theatre Department, I have gained so much self-awareness and so many skills that I never imagined possible. The Music and Theatre Department Chair and Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy, Sharon R. Boyle, has continued to support me on my journey and has helped me build so much confidence in my abilities. I am so thankful for the growth I’ve experienced over these four years. I am also so excited to be continuing my music therapy journey in my 6-month music therapy internship at Opportunities for Positive Growth in Fishers, IN. There I will be serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SMWC Music Therapy representing at the
GLR-AMTA Conference in March 2020 

     These final weeks of the school year have been very reflective. For my senior project I chose to do a self-reflective project, spending a lot of time thinking back to who I was at different points throughout my collegiate journey. I decided to write a show that consists of four monologues and three songs to share my experience, but also provide support to current and future students. At this link, you will find a recording of my monologues and songs written and performed for my senior project.
      Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey. Thank you to my professors and peers for helping me become the person I am today

Allee and her Aunt Veronica Kindley, alum,
 in Cecilian Auditorium

Allee with her fellow MT seniors in front of Le Fer Hall

Author: Allee Taylor, SMWC senior music therapy major

Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre

Photo Credits: Sharon R. Boyle, Allee Taylor

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For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC 
sboyle@smwc.edu 

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Home: A Senior Reflection By Abbigail Roberts

 

Abbie Roberts

     Reflecting on my time here at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College has been an incredible experience. It has also been a really difficult experience trying to sum up these past four years. This last semester of college has been a very reflective time for me, due to the nature of my senior project and just thinking about how time has gone by so fast. It seems like yesterday that I was a 17-year-old coming into college, not knowing what my purpose was, or what I wanted to do with my life. I still don’t have the answer to what I want to do with my life, but I now have direction. Deciding on whether or not music therapy was the right path for me was a struggle up until last semester. I went back and forth for three and half years on whether I wanted to continue to pursue music therapy. I think, in reality, music therapy pursued me as there was something about it that I just didn’t want to leave behind. This turned out to be the whole reason why I was interested in music therapy in the first place. I loved music and I wanted to help people. That is the desire that began this long journey. It was this desire that kept me going through all of the struggles and failures, the back and forth, and what led me to where I am today.

SMWC Onyx ring on flower arrangement

          I’ve never been great at making decisions and this was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. Reflecting on it now, choosing music therapy has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have grown so much as a person and gained many skills. The heavy workload and “scary” proficiencies, although difficult, were worth it. I have also had so many amazing practicum experiences and I am so thankful to be able to work with a diverse range of clients and work together with my amazing peers. All of this is created in a way to set students up for success and to ensure that we feel as prepared as possible when we leave SMWC for internship and beyond. That is the beautiful part of this community, especially the Music and Theatre Department. Our professors want to see us succeed and push each one of us to grow and be better. That is part of the reason why I chose to come to The Woods. I saw that the professors cared for each student and would set us up for success. I am so thankful for the connections that I have made with my professors and the guidance and care that I have received. The amazing professors are part of what makes SMWC home to me.

SMWC Madrigals announced as  2019 winner
 International Mayo County Choral Festival 

SMWC Madrigals in Ireland 2019

          

     Another part of my college experience that I appreciate so much is the amazing community of SMWC. I have made wonderful connections with not only the faculty and staff, but I have also made some very close friends. I really struggled to make friends during my freshman year as I was very introverted and avoided people as much as possible. However, on our first choir trip to Ireland, I made many close friends. Touring and singing in all of the beautiful cathedrals of Ireland was an amazing experience in itself. Being able to enjoy these experiences with a wonderful group of people made it all the better. It was an even greater experience when the Madrigals were invited back to Ireland the next year to compete in the 2019 Mayo International Choral Festival. Being a part of the Madrigals and having the magical Madrigal moments has made my time at SMWC even more special. I will forever be a part of this legacy of women who have sung before me and those who will sing after me. What an incredible legacy to share in. None of us were expecting to win this international competition, but our nine women from a small town in Indiana made history for SMWC when we won an international choir competition. I have to say this will go down as one of the greatest moments of my life! Not only did we win an amazing competition and were able to visit Ireland for a second time, I also grew closer with the people in the group and I am forever grateful for this experience and for each and every person I have sung with. I could go on forever about all of the beautiful musical moments I have experienced, but I will say this, the community of the Music and Theatre Department and these incredible moments that I have been a part of are why SMWC is home to me.  

MT practicum students 2019

      Studying music therapy and being involved in the choirs, theatre, MTSA (Music Therapy Student Association), and more has all brought me unexpected joy. As I’ve said many times before, I never wanted to go to college. My plan was to drop out after one semester because I was so sure that college was not for me. We can see how well that worked out as I am now writing my senior reflection and thinking about all of the things that have made my time here at SMWC an incredible experience! Coming into college, I never thought that I would ever call this place my home. 

    Writing this reflection, I tear up thinking about  this place and the people that now make this place my home. It took me a while to sit down and write this reflection, because as a senior there is so much to do. However, taking this time has given me the ability to reflect on these past four years and process all of the emotions that comes with leaving behind home and taking the next step into a new and exciting time of life. As I said before, it is hard to sum up my time here at SMWC and I don’t think this experience can be put into words. All I know is that I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that I received, the care and support that I received from my professors, and the incredible friends that I know who will be a part of my life forever. I think it is important to be open to new experiences and be willing to dive into the unknown. If I hadn’t taken the first step and taken risks, I wouldn’t be the person I am now. 

MTSA members at event 2019/20

     Last but not least, I am thankful to God and His Providence that led me here to Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College and I am excited to see where He will lead me next.

Kaci Jones and Abbie Roberts Ring Day 2019

Author: Abbigail Roberts, SMWC senior music therapy major

Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre

Photo Credits: Sharon R. Boyle, Abbigail Roberts

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For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC 
sboyle@smwc.edu 

Trusting in Providence- My Story at the Woods: Senior Reflection by Justine Gibson

 “Silver beams shine down from Heaven

reflecting in the water through the trees.

The night sends whispers and

thoughts from the sky and those who

have loved these Woods long before me.

In the face of the beauty and magnificence

Providence is seen

whole and exquisite eyes watching luminous

with strength, guidance, and grace. 

Love, Mercy, Justice felt in the heart

of each spark of life to when they ascend.

Gleaming on with legacy lasting

Leaving narrow space between now and then.

In the hands of our Mother, roots deep in the Earth

learning our power and discovering our worth.”

Gibson, 2021

      As with many stories from early life, most of my “memories” are in the words of my mom and grandma. A specific story my grandma loves to tell starts like this: “Justine, I can remember when you were no more than two-years-old sitting in O’Shaughnessy dining hall and you looked up at me and said, ‘What is this place?’” My grandma laughed and said “This is a school!”. I looked at her sternly and replied, “I am going to go to school here.” At that moment in time, everyone laughed and continued on with their meal unaware of the act of Providence that was taking place.

Pictured: Grandpa Billy R. Easton (10.28.28 – 8.5.2010) and Justine (age 2) 

     I started taking voice lessons from Michael Boswell at SMWC when I was 15-years-old after my previous voice teacher moved away – another act of Providence. I was constantly reminded of Music Therapy by him and kept close to me a handwritten note from Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Music Therapy, singing the praises of the program. I remember a conversation with Sharon in the hallway of the Conservatory after a voice lesson where I was so amazed by her confidence and strength. To this day, I am still amazed by Sharon and strive to be a strong, confident woman like her. 

Grandma Betty Easton and Justine after
2017 first Spring Chorale Concert

     

     Now, the road to the Woods was not straight and narrow, but rather winding and filled with many stops and journeys. After graduating high school, I jumped on the opportunity to travel abroad to Dauchingen, Germany and become an Au Pair for a year, travel, and even work as a barista. In 2017, I even had the opportunity to sing in the SMWC Chorale for the Spring 2017 concert at Michael Boswell's invitation.  Providence again began to shine and each time I felt sadness over my choice to leave choirs and plans of higher education behind, I was contacted by Michael again who reminded me of the opportunities at the Woods and the scholarships being offered. So, I auditioned for the Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy program and received the SMWC Musician of Promise Scholarship!
     

     Freshman year was an absolute whirlwind of tears, laughter, and endless gratitude. For once, I felt as though I was where I was truly meant to be. I had friends, was making wonderful grades, and had absolutely amazing professors. Of course, there were struggles, but I remember it only with fondness and thankfulness. Lab days with Dr. McIntyre’s (aka Dr. Mac) theory class, where we were able to share songs from a pre-determined theme and eat donuts he brought in, were absolutely essential in establishing friendships and comfort in the classroom. Music Therapy courses taught by Sharon were integral for my self-exploration and personal growth. I wanted to be the best music therapy student and future music therapist possible. In Chorale I was feeling more connectedness than I have ever experienced… and then I was placed in Madrigals. I can still clearly remember the first Madrigals rehearsal I was a part of when I was asked to sing with Kristin (Foster) Dawson ('20) and my heart stopped for a moment when our voices became one. From that point on we were a soprano team, or as we liked to call ourselves, “two bunnies”.

SMWC Madrigals Fall 2017 Homecoming Concert

     

     In the Summer of 2018, the SMWC Chorale & Madrigals traveled to Ireland to tour and provide concerts. I have so many amazing memories and I will share my most prized memory from the trip. One day while in Ireland we all ventured out to see the Hill of Slane and ended up singing “Long Time Traveler” by the Wailin’ Jennys while surrounding a Celtic cross. Before then it had been just another song to me, but in that moment I felt as though we were singing to the spirits around us and guiding them to their own freedom. I know I will never hear that song again without thinking of the beautiful solitude of the Hill of Slane.   

   

Hill of Slane (County Meath, Ireland)

Sophomore year truly seems as though it is a massive blur. I remember there being an influx of knowledge and participating in Big/Little for the first time as a big, but what I remember the most is getting the email from Michael Boswell stating that the Madrigals would be returning to Ireland to compete in the 2019 Mayo International Choral Festival in the summer. To say that we were all thrilled would be a complete understatement. People were crying/screaming, and it was beautiful. I recall singing one of our competition pieces, “Nocturne” by Pablo Neruda, and being completely swept away in the emotion and sound. I remember the pause of silence as it took my breath away when we completed singing before the eruption of applause began. I truly had never felt anything so moving and mesmerizing as that silence. For a few minutes the audience had joined our world and for a moment we were all breathing as one. The rest of the night went by like the blink of an eye until time stopped and the winner of the entire festival was announced: “Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals from the United States of America!” Tears began flowing and the Madrigals, along with Michael, jumped up to begin hugging each other all while laughing and finding familiarity in each of our eyes as the shock of winning overcame us. I know I will share this story with family and friends for years to carry on the legacy of the truly "Magical Madrigals".

2019 Mayo International Choral Festival 
Winners (County Mayo, Ireland) - SMWC Madrigals!

     Junior year started off beautifully with promises of Ring Day, my first year as an RA, and so much more, but COVID-19 ended up giving a new definition of “normal” and for a moment the world stopped. While I do feel COVID-19 robbed me of my expected Junior year, it did give me more time at home and in nature to really re-identify my priorities. Music Therapy stayed at the top of my academic list, but being home, spending time with my mom, and feeling the sunlight on my skin moved to the top of my personal list. Through conversations I have discovered that I am not alone in rediscovering the beauty that was always in front of me during COVID-19 lockdown, and for that I am thankful. I am thankful that I was fortunate enough to have experienced lockdown that way, as I know it was not the case for everyone. I am thankful that out of something as horrible as the COVID-19 virus, there were some good things shining through. Of course, the Chorale and Madrigals did not get to go to France as planned, but we did remain safe. I did not receive my ring my Junior year, but at least I was safe, and for that I am thankful. My heart goes to those who lost loved ones during this tragic time and to those who continue to lose loved ones to COVID-19.

Cleaning the Conserv Service Day 2019

       As for Senior year, it started with an absolute blow to my mental health as I over-scheduled myself and learned the hard lesson of establishing boundaries for myself. When Winter break started in November, I tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to be alone until my symptoms dissipated. This was VERY hard. Not only was I ill, but I was lonely and feeling as though everything I worked for had been for nothing. I received the worst grades I had ever gotten in my college career, my personal relationships were struggling, and I felt like a complete failure at everything I attempted – I had finally hit a wall. Even now I do not know how I coped with the pain I was feeling, but I do believe now that it was growing pains. When I returned to campus and stepped into my room for the first time since having COVID-19, everything had changed. I felt renewed, at ease, and as if a wave of peace had flooded over my spirit. Though the time alone was ruthless, I do fully believe it was necessary to allow me to finish my senior year strong.
      

     As I write this reflection I am nearing the second semester of my senior year and fully feeling the pressure of getting everything done in time, appreciating everything to its fullest, and coping with the sadness of leaving Le Fer Hall behind. I know that it is time to move on and it is time to grow, but I suppose as with all good things and bittersweet endings, you just don’t want to let go. I really am keeping Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s words close to my heart during this time, “We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest.” It is time for me to leave my nest and spread my wings and I am ready to move on to the next stage.
     

     The next stage for me is my 6-month music therapy internship at Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, Missouri starting in fall 2021. I am fully expecting this internship to be hard and challenging, but I cannot think of one good thing in my life that hasn’t been. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge, so I have full confidence in myself moving forward. I also know the skills I learned as a two-year Resident Assistant, executive board member of many organizations, and all that I have observed from those around me will carry me through any hardship I may face.

Justine with friends

     I would be remiss if I did not mention my professors in the Department of Music and Theatre. Michael Boswell, Sharon Boyle, Dr. Mac, and Ron Maurey all individually, and as a driving force, changed my life for the better. Through them I have learned the virtue of seemingly endless patience, the importance of being kind to oneself, how to lift others up, and accepting that things are not going to be perfect. I cry thinking of not seeing my professors daily or being able to stop by their offices when I need help, though I know that they and their lessons will be supporting me long after I leave the safety of the Woods. I appreciate them more than I truly think I will ever be able to express and more than they will probably ever know. I love each of them dearly and am so thankful to have had the opportunity of being a student to some of the most kind, loving, strong, and beautiful people I have ever met.

Justine with friends after Choral concert

     My heart aches to know that I am in the final weeks of being a Madrigal as it has changed me and my life so much. We are all individual singers, of course, but we become one through the music we sing and experiences we share. I can say with all the honesty in my heart that I love every woman I have sung with in Madrigals. Even if we have differing opinions, we are connected through soul and heart when we sing. Leaving Madrigals will easily be one of the hardest parts of my transition into internship.
    

   I am ever thankful to have experienced such community and love on the Woods' gorgeous campus. I am thankful for the Sisters of Providence and their spiritual guidance they have offered me the past few years that led to my conversion to Catholicism. I am thankful to the Woods for every beautiful relationship including: Carra Matherly, Anwyn Payonk, Jacob Wilson, Elizabeth Reel, Kaci Jones, Abbie Roberts, Allee Taylor, Olivia Wendel, Jacob Reinhart, Liz Yeazel, Sara Langenberger, Ariana Hall, Marie Esguerra, Shelby Calloway, Sarah Mahady, Catherine Saunders, Aimee Janssen-Robinson, Samantha Robinson, and my fellow RAs for always being there to offer support and a listening ear, even if at some points the support was from afar. My largest thank you must go to the strongest, most independent, and feisty women I know – my mom and grandma. I am simply blessed. I am so blessed that I have so many amazing people that have offered me so many lessons, so much love, and enrich my life to the absolute fullest. I am thankful for my peers in the Music/Music Therapy program and am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to watch them grow these last few years. I love my life and where I am right now, I know past me would be so proud. I just wish I could tell her everything was going to be alright and to not be so scared to be herself. Life is truly beautiful with the people I have in it, the experiences I have had, and the joy that I feel as part of my beloved Woods. 

Justine with her grandma on Ring Day

Justine with Madrigal friends and 
Director of Choirs, Michael Boswell

Justine and her family

Author: Justine Gibson, SMWC senior music therapy major

Editor: Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre

Photo Credits: Justine Gibson

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For more information about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy and Music Therapy Equivalency-Campus programs, contact:
Sharon R. Boyle, MM, MT-BC 
sboyle@smwc.edu