Activities: Marching Band, Pep Band, Musician's Network, Music Listening Room employee, GT1000 team leader, Connect With Tech Advisory Board member

Career Goal: To have a career in the music industry, but more importantly to be happy and successful

"Georgia Tech was the best decision for me because it provides me with everything I want and need. One reason I chose Tech is because of its strong academics, which is obviously a common reason for all of us here. However, I also wanted a school that would provide the total experience. I wanted to be able to spend Saturday afternoons in the fall cheering on my school's football team. I also wanted to live in a city where I could get away from campus occasionally and find different things to do. It's safe to say that in Atlanta, the possibilities are endless, both socially and academically. Every day, Georgia Tech gives me opportunities that I could never have anywhere else, and for that I am grateful.

Aside from school work, other things I may do in the afternoons during the week include working at the Music Listening Room in the Student Center, throwing a football or frisbee around with friends outside if the weather permits, lounging around and listening to music, or watching TV. During the spring, my nightly activities during the week include going to home basketball games to play with the Pep Band, practicing and performing with my rock and roll band, going to concerts, checking out local bands at clubs in the area, hanging out with friends, playing intramural sports, and of course, finishing school work.

The most rewarding experience for me at Tech has been participating in the marching band each fall. I've always been a Georgia Tech sports fan, so I knew from the start that the marching band would be an incredible opportunity. With the band, I've been able to go on road trips all over the southeastern United States. I've been able to be a part of historic Tech sporting events. Most importantly, though, I've been able to make incredible friendships that will last a lifetime.

The biggest challenge for me was definitely learning how to be successful at Tech. The transition from high school to college is a tough one, no doubt; and at Tech, the transition is tougher compared to other schools simply because of the academics. However, I was set on doing what it took to make the transition a successful one. First, I learned how to study and do schoolwork so I could do well in my classes. Second, I learned how to balance my time in the most efficient way possible. After doing those two things, I found things to be much easier.

I believe that I've transformed in several ways since my freshman year. I feel that I've become more intelligent, emotionally and mentally stronger, and definitely more mature. After college, I hope to transform my piece of the world by simply bringing a passion to my work that will inspire the people who come into contact with me."

Pull out quote: "Georgia Tech has definitely changed my way of thinking. College is not just about gaining more knowledge, but rather it is also about learning and thinking in new ways. In doing this, Tech has allowed me to become a much more intelligent and better overall person, both inside and outside of the classroom."