For Halloween, Anny Schmidt, ’17, (third from right) dressed up as the TARDIS from the TV show “Doctor Who.”
Anny Schmidt, ‘17 currently attends University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington where she double minors in music and education.
Q: What are you majoring in?
A: I don’t have a major yet, but (I am) double minoring in music and education. (I chose education because) I love kids and the idea of teaching had appealed to me since I was in middle school. Puget Sound doesn’t offer majors in education, so I chose the minor. I can stay an extra year and get my teaching degree this way.
Q: Why did you choose University of Puget Sound?
A: I really like the vibe and how I felt when I was on the campus. I was torn between two schools: one in California and Puget Sound. When it came down to it, I asked my parents and they said I should try to get perspective outside California. The people seem nice and the campus is really beautiful.
Q: Are you enjoying the experience?
A: I am. It’s not what I expected, but it’s enjoyable.
Q: How is it not what you expected?
A: (Being in a dorm) is a lot louder, and because it’s a bigger school, I wasn’t really sure how the interactions with classmates would be.
Having a Resident Assistant (is) different. An RA is a student (or two) that lives on your dorm floor and acts as almost a parent to you, especially freshmen. They make sure people are taking care of the floor, handle any problems on the floor, and are there for you to talk to. I have two RA’s since my floor is fairly large. There’s always someone in the dorm, whether it’s an RA or other dorm mates, (so) you’re never fully alone. I didn’t realize there would always be someone around no matter what.
Anny Schmidt, ’17, goes to laser tag with some of her new college friends.
Q: Have you made any freshman mistakes?
A: I got locked out of my room six times within the first week because I left my key card (in different) places. I got locked out quite a few times and didn’t have my phone, (so I had to) wait for my roommate to come back. One time I had to call security because they had my key card, and when I called them they (said), “You’re looking for your key card.” I didn’t even say my name!
Q: What classes are you taking?
A: I’m currently taking French 102, Music Theory, Aural Skills and a freshman seminar called Zen Insights and Oversights. Outside of academic classes (I am taking) music lessons and a studio class for music and orchestra. I play violin and viola, but in the orchestra and in all musical aspects here, I play viola.
Q: What is Aural Skills?
A: It’s a class for piano and singing skills. All music majors and minors have to take Aural Skills and Music Theory together. You learn to play the piano (and) read other clefs. (There are) pop singing quizzes, (and) you listen to (music) phrases and then write them down.
Q: How big are your classes?
A: My biggest class has 20 people, (but) most of my classes are around 15 people. They’re similar to SCDS classes, which (is) really nice.
Q: What is your favorite class?
A: Zen Insights and Oversights. I love the teacher; he’s funny and laid-back.
Q: Least favorite?
A: If I had to choose, it might be Music Theory. I like the teacher a lot, but theory isn’t my thing. There’s a lot of material and the classes go by quickly, so it’s hard for me to understand.
Q: How do you get around?
A: I walk. Campus is probably only a mile-and-a-half wide. I have a bike, (but) I’ve only used it once to get to a place that’s a five-minute walk across campus. My dorm is very central, so it’s easy to get around.
Q: What’s it like living in a dorm?
A: It’s different. My dorm is your standard college dorm: not the biggest (and) a little old. Bathrooms (are) the most annoying. (They’re) not crowded or dirty, (but) it’s not the same as being alone in your own bathroom. My floor has about 40 people. I didn’t like it at first (because) it was really loud. (But) I got more comfortable with it after I found friends.
Q: Do you have any roommates?
A: I do. I actually switched roommates. My first roommate was really great, but there were some girls that didn’t work well together that were friends of ours, (so) we offered to switch. My current roommate is amazing. She’s one of my best friends.
Q: What is your favorite part about college?
A: I really love the people that I’ve met. There are always people around and always new people to meet. Every time I see my friend group, new people join in, and it’s like a new experience all over again. I like how we are all so different but (can) work together so well.
Q: Did SCDS prepare you for college?
A: Yes. The difficulty level (of) my classes and the course load are somewhat similar. Teachers are kind of similar. I feel very comfortable around them. The workload and getting stuff done (is) very manageable for me.
Q: Are you in any extracurriculars or clubs?
A: Yes. I am helping run the sailing team, I joined a jiu jitsu club (and) intramural soccer, and last semester I did chamber music. It was a whole extra class. (It) was too much, so this semester I’m not doing it, (but) I’m still doing orchestra. I would (do) more, but I don’t have time.
Anny Schmidt, ’17, (third from right) and her classmates go for a ride.
Q: Why do you feel like a beginner in sailing?
A: I feel like a beginner because I don’t know all the rules. I’m used to sailing for fun, and not entirely knowing what I was doing. Here, we sail a type of boat called an FJ. It’s a two-person boat with a skipper and a crew member.
Q: Have you competed before?
A: I have competed in sailing on the sailing team. We compete with other schools in the Pacific Northwest. So far I’ve raced in pouring rain and lots of snow. Either way it was enjoyable, though sometimes it takes up a lot of time.
Q: Have you done jiu jitsu and sailing before?
A: Jiu jitsu is new to me, but I love it. I have done sailing recreationally. I’ve taken a few classes, but this is like racing (which is) very different.
Q: Any advice for the class of 2018?
A: It’s all right to miss your family, your friends, your pets when you get to college. Everyone does it, and it’s all right even (if it) gets farther into the year and (you) feel as homesick as you (did at) the beginning of the year. It’s not a bad thing – everyone feels it.
Five-star or subpar?
Food: ☆☆☆☆
School spirit: ☆☆☆☆☆
Clubs: ☆☆☆☆☆
Location: ☆☆☆☆☆
—By Elise Sommerhaug
