Where would you like to perform someday if given the opportunity?
I would love to perform with LA Opera. It would be like coming home again because I first discovered my love of opera through their Opera Camp. All of the programs of the Education & Community Programs department were the beginning of my education about opera. My friends who are singers often talk about this, and we all hope to sing in Los Angeles, and at many of the other great opera houses some day, such as The Met and La Scala, but we know we have a lot of work in front of us before any of these things can happen. Right now I'm just focusing on school and getting a great education that will hopefully lead to wonderful experiences.

How has music affected your life?
Music has played a major factor in my life. It was always part of everything I did since I was young, and I know it always will be. I think music has also helped me in every other area of my life, because music requires so much discipline. I believe it has given me the work ethic that has helped me to achieve my goals thus far.

What are your dreams/goals in life?
My dream is to have a long and healthy career, balanced with a happy family life. My goals to achieve that dream are, first, to get a great musical education, with a Bachelor of Music, followed by a Masters degree and then, hopefully, admittance into a Young Artists' Program. My goal after that will be to work on a regular basis, so that I can build a stable career in the field that I love.

Why do you think you were chosen to be a finalist in the Spotlight Awards? What was your greatest aid in accomplishing this?
I'm not sure, but I do know that after doing the Classical Voice auditions for three years, the talent keeps getting stronger and stronger, because everyone who enters is improving year after year. There were some amazing singers this year, and after the work everyone did in just one class with Cynthia Munzer, our incredible Master Class teacher, ANY singer there could have become a finalist on any given day. I think that my tenacity got me there this year, and I appreciate it so much. My greatest aid in accomplishing it this year was undoubtedly my teacher, Elisabeth Howard. She is so talented, and her approach to technique and artistry has been the greatest help to me.

How do you balance your singing around your school work and friends?
I am lucky to have a close group of friends who have been very supportive of the concentration it takes. They always come to my performances, and I always try to return that favor for their activities. These are the people who are closest to me. I think that managing my time with my rigorous school schedule has also taught me a lot. I?ve really enjoyed the extended family feeling with all my friends at Notre Dame. I have been able to serve as an officer at of my school, an Emcee at school functions, participate in several clubs, and spend 4 years in Choir, but it definitely took the support and patience of my teachers, who have allowed me to balance opera rehearsals outside of school with all of my school activities.

What advice would you give to a student who felt they might not be ready to do Spotlight?
I would say to do it, even if you don?t think you?re ready. I think the whole point of Spotlight is to learn how to audition. The comment sheets we get after each audition definitely help to understand where you need to improve. I was not NEARLY ready for it the first year, but persevering in the Spotlight program has taught me how to prepare for every audition I have done, including all of my college auditions. It is certainly an honor to get to the top two in Spotlight, but the process of the entire program is worth it no matter where you place. I would say, don't pass up this great learning opportunity. It is the best way to learn to audition in a nurturing environment. In short, what I am trying to say is, put in an application and AUDITION!