Emily Smith could feel the sense of community and support the moment she stepped foot on campus. It’s what drew her to Anderson University.  

In high school, she was on a pre-law track until her love for music was rekindled after switching schools. Although she had been playing piano for years, she had not considered it as a possible major or career.  

So, after pivoting away from law and toward a bachelor’s in music, she applied to Anderson. The atmosphere she encountered when she arrived for her audition was unique and memorable. “Part of the decision to come to Anderson was because of how I was treated during the auditions process and afterwards,” she says. 

It instantly felt like home, with warm and genuine welcomes from everyone on campus.  

After her audition, her admissions counselor followed up with her frequently—once even calling her before a math test to wish her luck. “On the one hand, I have schools that could not care less about me, or I have a school that’s literally calling me to make sure I do well on my math test,” she says. 

This supportive community characterized her AU journey. From the care and advice of her advisor to the wise words of her piano professor, she was constantly encouraged that Anderson was the place in which God called her to be. She credits her decision to major in Music Education to the wisdom of her advisor who informed her of the options available to her that she was unaware of. 

Similarly, an amazing answer to prayer in her sophomore year marked one of the most memorable experiences she has had at Anderson. Through a spontaneous invitation to work with BCM Go for a weekend, she found the community of people she had been waiting and praying for—a loving and accepting group that has fun while serving the Lord. “This is the family that I’ve been wanting to be a part of,” she thought. She looks back on that weekend and can see how impactful it was on her journey at AU.   

Her piano professor, Dr. Howard Kim, has been a valuable source of wisdom for Emily, in music and in life. He teaches the concept of chunking, a practice of taking a sheet of music and breaking it into manageable sections. Dr. Kim explained that your brain can only comprehend so much data at once, so you cannot learn by playing the whole thing.   

She did not take his sage advice at first, determined instead to learn pieces by playing them from beginning to end. But she soon learned that this could not be sustained and found that learning pieces were much easier and enjoyable when she chunked them. The wider application of this sentiment in her life was not lost on her. “I feel like sometimes I try to take on so many things,” she says, “and then I crash and burn because I’m not allowing myself to actually process everything that I am doing.” Instead, “paying attention and pouring into just a few things, and then moving on to the next one,” has been a practice she has applied to many aspects of her life.   

Another value she has learned from the discipline of playing piano is the importance of taking a Sabbath. Dr. Kim reminds his students constantly of the fruitful practice of resting. The verse she often looks to for guidance is Matthew 11:28, which reads “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” These comforting words of Jesus have changed her perspective and behaviors. “If you don’t set aside time to give your burdens to Jesus, and rest fully in what He gives, you won’t be able to recharge. And it works the same way psychologically and musically,” she notes.   

Biblical rest can look different for each person, and for Emily, she finds respite when she is in nature. She loves to hike, kayak, rock climb, and do other outdoor activities. “Now that doesn’t sound like resting, in maybe somebody else’s sense, but when I feel closest to God is when I am taking time to be silent with my own thoughts and alone in nature,” she says. For her, she defines Biblical rest not necessarily as wanton laziness, but as being present and intentional in the moment, even if it is only for an hour or two. Setting aside time where you are not worrying about an assignment or practicing the piece of music you have been working on the entire week prevents burnout and helps sustain your love and passion for what you do.   

Emily believes the Anderson campus is a great place to find rest in nature and with precious company. One of the first things she noticed about Anderson was how beautiful the campus is, and the Rainey Garden was an important refuge for her during her freshman year. The connections and friendships she has made through the various opportunities offered at AU, such as her role as RA and an ambassador for the Department of Music and her involvement in BCM Go and CRU, has enriched her personal and academic life. Her experience at AU has grown her character so much, and she cannot imagine what her life would be like if she had not attended.   

The practice of balancing work with rest and meaningful company with solitude has equipped her well for her future. She loves to take full advantage of all that Anderson has to offer, especially the homecoming dance that allows her to let loose and have fun with friends. Perhaps you will see her in Rainey Fine Arts Center and don’t hesitate to say hi—she would love to share her favorite Chopin and Mendelssohn pieces with you.