Q&A with transfer student, Gabby Vuillaume

Hometown: Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

High School: Saratoga Central Catholic High School

Majors: English and music

Activities: Admissions Ambassador, Peer Leader for new transfers, Bare (literary publication), Skidmore Chorus, Drastic Measures (a capella)

Why did you decide to transfer to Skidmore?
The biggest reason was that the arts are so strong and celebrated at Skidmore. The music program, in particular, is absolutely wonderful, which is something that I was really looking for. I took an arts tour when I visited Skidmore and I got to see the music facilities and knew right off the bat that this is where I wanted to be. Plus, the community was just so welcoming. I felt so sure about Skidmore, that it was the only school I applied to as a transfer! 

What does Skidmore offer you that your previous college did not?
I am able to express myself more freely and creatively at Skidmore. My previous college did not really give me the musical opportunities that I was hoping for. In fact, I was a journalism major with a music minor, and I had a change of heart while I was there. Music was ony offered as a minor, and I decided that if I really wanted to pursue music, I was not going to be able to do so unless I transferred.

What advice do you have for those considering transferring to Skidmore?
First and foremost, take a tour! Seeing the school first-hand gives you a much better sense of what we have to offer and who we are as a community. Skidmore is also SO accommodating to transfer students. There is an orientation program just for transfers. There is also a transfer pre-orientation program, so, transfer students can meet each other right away. Transfer pre-orientation is actually how I met some of my best friends! 

Are you glad you transferred? Why?
Transferring to Skidmore was probably the best decision I have ever made. I felt integrated into the community quickly and met amazing friends, some who have similar and some not-so-similar interests as me.  I also feel academically challenged without feeling overwhelmed. The fact that I can do music and English at the same time is incredible because I’m not limited to just one thing. Skidmore was very accommodating with my transfer credit. 

What's the best part of Skidmore so far?
The people and the classes. Everyone here is so passionate about what they do, but are also so encouraging of their peers at the same time. The classes are extremely interesting and interdisciplinary. They are also on the smaller side, with the average being around 16 students. You get to know your professors well, and they truly care about you and how you are doing in and out of the classroom. One of my favorite classes so far is a physics class called Sound and Music, which I took to fulfill the natural science requirement. We studied soundwaves, frequency and amplitude, and how music relates to this. It was so interesting.

What are your future hopes/plans?
I’d like to perform in some operas, as well as combine my love of music and writing, perhaps  through journalism.