Conner's Grinnell Journey
Albuquerque, NM | Sociology and Theatre and Dance
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!
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.
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.
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!
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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