Conner's Grinnell Journey
Albuquerque, NM | Sociology and Theatre and Dance
Getting to Grinnell from Albuquerque, NM takes 17 hours by car.
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was drawn to Grinnell by the close-knit, supportive community, the strong academics, and generous financial aid.
After four years, I'm proud to be a part of the community that drew me to Grinnell in the first place!
Obligatory sign photos in the desert and the prairie.
Finding Community Through Music
Shortly after arriving to campus, I auditioned for Grinnell Singers and different a cappella groups. Although I was incredibly nervous at first, these groups became valuable sources of community and helped me meet some of my best friends at Grinnell.
This photo is from my first year Singers retreat at the Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) . We spent the day getting to know each other, rehearsing our music, and enjoying the beauty of the prairie.
During my second year, G-Tones sang at the wedding of Professor Justin Thomas and Jen Jacobsen, my future boss at Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) . It was a magical moment that proved how interconnected Grinnell's community is.
A selfie from after a Con Brio concert at Hotel Grinnell. Thanks, Student Government Association (SGA) , for the matching sweaters!
My first solo with Con Brio , performing one of my favorite songs, "Green Light" by Lorde!
Growing in Theatre
Working on a show with the theatre and dance department was always a highlight of my semester! My growth as a theater-maker is one of the things I am most proud of from my time at Grinnell.
01 / 06
MAP in Taiwan
The summer between my second and third year, I traveled to Taipei, Taiwan with Professor Craig Quintero to do a Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) in experimental theatre.
(L): Ximending, one of the commercial centers of Taipei. Full of huge billboards, clothing stores and bubble tea. (R): Guandu Temple on the outskirts of Taipei. This temple complex was huge and one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
While in Taipei, I worked with three other Grinnell students and a group of Taiwanese theatre artists to devise a performance for an audience of one. We spent every night rehearsing and every day either building the set or exploring Taipei. Food is very inexpensive in Taipei, so we made sure to eat well!
(L): My MAP group outside the National Taiwan University of the Arts, where we performed our piece. (C): Me in the middle of our performance. My next scene was in a three-piece suit, which I had about three minutes to change into! (R): Taiwan's National Theatre. A representative from the National Theatre watched our performance (and loved it!)
Grinnell-in-London
During my third year, I studied abroad with Grinnell-in-London, which offered a great opportunity for me to explore both sociology and theatre in a brand-new city!
Stonehenge
Stonehenge. Click to expand.
My friends from Grinnell-in-London and I outside Stonehenge. We learned about how ancient and contemporary druids use Stonehenge as a religious site.
Manchester
Manchester. Click to expand.
We took a tour of Manchester Stadium. I'm not a huge sports fan, but after this tour, I think I'm a Man U. supporter for life!
Lake District
Lake District. Click to expand.
To relax halfway through the term, we traveled to the Lake District. We hiked to Easedale Tarn, enjoying the beautiful scenery and Herdwick sheep (who are only still around because Beatrix Potter loved them so much!)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh. Click to expand.
One weekend, my friends and I traveled to Edinburgh. We toured Scottish Parliament, explored downtown Edinburgh (including two castles!), and hiked up Arthur's Seat to watch the sun rise.
Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre. Click to expand.
This photo was taken at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, right before I watched a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Over the semester, I saw over 30 professional plays and musicals!
Studying London's Drag Scene
Studying London's Drag Scene. Click to expand.
I conducted my own ethnographic research on London's drag scene as part of my class on United Kingdom subcultures. After one of the eight shows I watched and took notes on, the cast invited me to take a few photos!
Stonehenge
My friends from Grinnell-in-London and I outside Stonehenge. We learned about how ancient and contemporary druids use Stonehenge as a religious site.
Manchester
We took a tour of Manchester Stadium. I'm not a huge sports fan, but after this tour, I think I'm a Man U. supporter for life!
Lake District
To relax halfway through the term, we traveled to the Lake District. We hiked to Easedale Tarn, enjoying the beautiful scenery and Herdwick sheep (who are only still around because Beatrix Potter loved them so much!)
Edinburgh
One weekend, my friends and I traveled to Edinburgh. We toured Scottish Parliament, explored downtown Edinburgh (including two castles!), and hiked up Arthur's Seat to watch the sun rise.
Globe Theatre
This photo was taken at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, right before I watched a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Over the semester, I saw over 30 professional plays and musicals!
Studying London's Drag Scene
I conducted my own ethnographic research on London's drag scene as part of my class on United Kingdom subcultures. After one of the eight shows I watched and took notes on, the cast invited me to take a few photos!
Into the Future
I'm finishing off my time at Grinnell with another MAP of my own, staging a virtual performance of "The International Stud" by Harvey Fierstein with my housemates. I've also applied for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Madrid and am currently a semifinalist. But I know that no matter where I end up in the world, I'll always have a strong community of friends who I love to accidentally match with:
Matching "accidentally on purpose" for the Grinnell TikTok .
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