Laura Rosser
The Honors Program was one of the key factors that brought me to Belmont. Because I like to like to work 'outside the box,' interdisciplinary classes, and designing a major appealed to me. When I entered as a freshman, I wanted to create a major in Music Management and Ministry. As I explored these areas and learned more about my interests, I changed my major to Ministry with a minor in Piano, both of which are self designed. Meanwhile, my Honors courses were saturated with literature, discussion, and creative projects.
In bonding with and learning from the same classmates each day, I discovered that my colleagues were turning into true friends. We donned costumes for drama, matched wits in the Reformation debate, designed brochures and Web sites and presentations, and taught each other using a blend of discipline and humor. My favorite part of Honors, though, has been the tutorial. I am blessed to have a faculty tutor, Mr. Jim Kimmel, who has become one of my biggest encouragers here at Belmont, both personally and in my music ministry career.
Through our tutorial, I have written and arranged music, we have read books together; he has introduced me to valuable contacts and opportunities. I recorded and produced my first CD of piano hymn arrangements, and now I am presenting worship concerts and writing about them for my senior thesis project. I never would have guessed that all of these doors would open during my four years at Belmont and I credit the Honors Program with providing the academic flexibility and holistic focus that have helped make my college journey such a wonderful adventure.
