Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Brianne Russell
July 22, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti
“Commencement Spotlight” is a series focused on highlighting Sam Houston State University's upcoming graduates. These stories from Bearkats graduating this semester, who have demonstrated a “can-do” spirit through challenges and service, remind us of the many ways Sam Houston State is preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Visit today@sam/commencementspotlight to find the list of stories highlighted so far.
Brianne Russell
Orange, Texas
Degree: Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy
“I couldn’t have completed my time at Sam without staying up late studying with my friends, great professors, my internship supervisors and my family’s support.”
What student organizations are you involved in?
BR: Honors College, Music Therapy Organization (MTO)
What challenges did you face to complete your college degree?
BR: As a transfer student, it was challenging to leave my junior college friends behind and face a school where I had no friends. I didn’t know what I was going to face academically or socially. I was concerned about getting my degree and staying focused on staying positive. When the COVID pandemic started, I was in my last spring semester before I was to start my music therapy internship. Most internships were closing down or adapting to go online. Some were no longer taking music therapy interns at their place of work. Fortunately, that summer, I took my last classes for my degree, and was accepted into an internship at Houston Methodist Hospital. I am currently completing my last few weeks at Houston Methodist.
What future career goals do you have?
BR: I would like to pursue my master’s degree in music therapy.
What will you miss most about your time as an SHSU student?
BR: I will miss riding my bike up the hills on campus while the sun is rising, and the community in the school of music.
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