“[Professor Sarah Hauss] is a great instructor and deeply cares about her students’ interests and well-being, she provides such a thorough education that allows students to have incredible opportunities outside of campus.”
As a Psychology and Sociology major, Eleanor has still been able to involve herself with the Theatre & Dance Department as a Dance minor and a Costume Shop employee, as well as being a part of many Theatre & Dance productions on campus. Despite being a minor, Eleanor feels that she has been very welcomed in the department, saying “I’ve never felt out of place or less than students with art-focused majors”. She has appreciated the small class sizes of her Theatre & Dance courses, in which she has been able to really get to know her professors and classmates, and which has helped provide her with a close-knit community on campus. Eleanor has found the faculty within the Theatre & Dance Department to be very supportive and to care deeply about their students’ personal wellbeing. Professors also provide students with resources outside of the classroom, such as panels, internship, opportunities, and other work experiences. In the Costume Shop, Eleanor has also found a fun and valuable work experience, especially appreciating her supervisor Larissa McConnell, who has been a supportive figure for her. Eleanor says, “She always asks you how your day is going and what’s going on in your classes, she will always be there to support anything you’re working on, and she always offers herself as a resource for letters of recommendation, helping you look for an internship or job, and always reminds you of your worth”. Even with two majors outside of the Theatre and Dance Department, Eleanor feels grateful that she has been able to stay very involved with the department. On campus, Eleanor is also involved with Student Senate, Study Buddies, Pound Pals, LineUs Improv Comedy, and Gustavus Dance Collective.