Spotlight

Year: Senior
Major: Vocal Music Performance and Elementary Music Education
Minor:
Hometown: Arden Hills, MN

Why did you come to UST?

My primary reason for choosing UST was the Catholic atmosphere on campus. I loved that there was so much to do and be involved in spiritually, even for non-Catholic Studies majors. I also chose St. Thomas for the smaller music department. So many of the larger music schools that I toured placed so much emphasis on competition and performance and felt very impersonal; the music department at St. Thomas is very intimate. All the musicians are supportive of one another and really love what they do.

What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow?

I am humbled and honored to have been selected as an Aquinas Fellow. I have read many other Fellows’ profiles on the Beyond Career to Calling website and feel truly awed to be considered among such dedicated and talented individuals. I am also extraordinarily grateful for the scholarship I received from the endowment. This generous gift has allowed me to continue on at St. Thomas without having to worry about my financial needs being provided for.

What has been your most valuable experience at UST?

I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to cantor for mass in the Aquinas chapel on a fairly regular basis. The chapel is a breathtakingly beautiful space and simply attending mass there is an amazing experience. Making music and praising God through song is such a large part of my vocation; being able to live it during my time at St. Thomas is a true blessing indeed.

How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation?

The recognition that accompanies being selected as an Aquinas Fellow is definitely a catalyst for action. It is a leadership position, and I intend to take it as thus. As an upperclassman both in the music department and on campus, I would like to begin reaching out to younger students and musicians who are interesting in sharing their gifts with the UST community by encouraging them to serve God through music ministry, because who better to thank with our talents than He who gave them to us?

What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation?

If you are having difficulty discerning what it is that God wants you to do with your life, my advice would be to look at the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon you. You have these gifts for a reason, and there are so many ways to serve Him, even in your college years. If you have a way with children, perhaps He is calling you to serve in youth ministry. If you are a talented public speaker, you might consider sharing this with others by serving as a lector at Mass. I would encourage you to seek out those things you are best at, and imagine how you can use them to bring glory to God.

Aquinas Fellowship Recipients
VIEW OTHER SPOTLIGHTS	Rebecca Clark Aquinas Fellow
	Year: Senior Major: Vocal Music Performance and Elementary Music Education Minor: Hometown: Arden Hills, MN Why did you come to UST? My primary reason for choosing UST was the Catholic atmosphere on campus. I loved that there was so much to do and be involved in spiritually, even for non-Catholic Studies majors. I also chose St. Thomas for the smaller music department. So many of the larger music schools that I toured placed so much emphasis on competition and performance and felt very impersonal; the music department at St. Thomas is very intimate. All the musicians are supportive of one another and really love what they do. What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow? I am humbled and honored to have been selected as an Aquinas Fellow. I have read many other Fellows’ profiles on the Beyond Career to Calling website and feel truly awed to be considered among such dedicated and talented individuals. I am also extraordinarily grateful for the scholarship I received from the endowment. This generous gift has allowed me to continue on at St. Thomas without having to worry about my financial needs being provided for. What has been your most valuable experience at UST? I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to cantor for mass in the Aquinas chapel on a fairly regular basis. The chapel is a breathtakingly beautiful space and simply attending mass there is an amazing experience. Making music and praising God through song is such a large part of my vocation; being able to live it during my time at St. Thomas is a true blessing indeed. How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation? The recognition that accompanies being selected as an Aquinas Fellow is definitely a catalyst for action. It is a leadership position, and I intend to take it as thus. As an upperclassman both in the music department and on campus, I would like to begin reaching out to younger students and musicians who are interesting in sharing their gifts with the UST community by encouraging them to serve God through music ministry, because who better to thank with our talents than He who gave them to us? What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation? If you are having difficulty discerning what it is that God wants you to do with your life, my advice would be to look at the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon you. You have these gifts for a reason, and there are so many ways to serve Him, even in your college years. If you have a way with children, perhaps He is calling you to serve in youth ministry. If you are a talented public speaker, you might consider sharing this with others by serving as a lector at Mass. I would encourage you to seek out those things you are best at, and imagine how you can use them to bring glory to God.