Student Voices: Rachael Cahoon '20

Rachael Cahoon ’20 ended her undergraduate college years with this magical experience. She doublemajored in history and philosophy and religious studies. Her passion for music led her to the Radford University Singers and eventually Carnegie Hall.

“I’ve been in choir since middle school, and they would mention Carnegie Hall, but it was this faraway magical place,” Cahoon said. “Then, I decided my majors, and I said, ‘probably won’t happen now, but it’s such a beautiful place and would be amazing,’ and now we're doing it. My mind is constantly, ‘oh my goodness.’”

She absorbed every moment, bonding with her Highlander choir sisters as they walked through New York City, saw Broadway musicals and saw the historic building for the first time where they performed.

The magnitude of the experience did not set in until she was on the bus traveling back to Radford University. She admits the bright lights and tall buildings were overwhelming, but they inspired her to find confidence and courage to finish her semester strong and begin the next chapter as a Radford University graduate.

“It’s a little bittersweet for me,” Cahoon said. “I’m about to graduate, and I’ve made all these friends. It’s like one big celebration in New York before I go to grad school.”

She loves learning and stepping outside her comfort zone, and Radford University helped her have new and tangible experiences.

“It makes me very proud to be a Highlander and to be able to show Radford and show the people that this is what Radford can do for people. It can provide them with amazing opportunities, like performing at Carnegie Hall.”