Spotlight on Interdepartmental Alumni: Annabelle Estera
Name: Annabelle Estera
Age: 25
Education (UR and additional): B.A. in Interdepartmental Studies, T5 2010, University of Rochester; M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Expected 2013, The Ohio State University
Current city/state of residence: Columbus, OH
Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?
I chose the University of Rochester for several reasons, including its reputation, the freedom to take courses at Eastman, and the freedom of the curriculum. Also, the campus is beautiful!
When and how did you choose your major?
I was, sort of, a late bloomer when it came to choosing my major! Because of the freedom of the curriculum, I took courses across a broad range of disciplines in my first two years, and by then, I still did not make a firm decision. When it came time to decide, I decided to stick with music but change it up a bit and focus on society rather than performance or history. Thus, my major was born in the fall of my third year: “Music in Contemporary American Society.” The intent was to pursue a career in arts administration.
What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?
I did a variety of activities on campus, including orchestra and choir for a few semesters. Also, I volunteered for orientation and study abroad. However, my deepest involvements were with the Filipino American Students’ Association and Sigma Psi Zeta sorority. These two groups had the greatest impact on me in developing my ethnic and racial identities and also provided many leadership opportunities. I was able to meet so many people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and I continue those relationships today.
What do you do now and why did you choose this career?
I am currently finishing up my first year in the MA program in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Ohio State University. I chose this program because I recognize the impact that the college experience has on students, and I want to be part of helping to creative a positive environment for others, whether it be through multicultural student affairs, assessment, or another area. I don’t think this is completely unrelated to my prior goal of wanting to be an arts administrator – I still want to be an administrator, but I have chosen a different area of passion to focus on.
What skills, tools, or knowledge from your major have been most useful to you since graduation?
It’s hard to separate my major from the rest of my experience because I think of my college experience holistically. Thinking about my major as well as my Take Five program (Asian Diasporas), certificate in management studies, and work and student group experience, I was able to develop my critical thinking as well as administrative skills, both of which are highly important to my current program. Also, my current program is very interdisciplinary in nature, so I think it was a very natural shift from one interdisciplinary program to another.
What advice do you have for current students?
Don’t get too hung up on the question of what a certain major will lead to. Goals and interests do change, even after graduation! For a lot of science fields, I believe the connection is probably more apparent, but what is more important is that you are pursuing something you are truly interested in and excited about. Seek work or volunteer opportunities that pique your interest. Keep an open mind, and take in and do all you can. Each step you take and experience you have, whether you end up deciding after the fact that “this is” or “this isn’t for me,” takes you one step closer to where you’re supposed to be.
