Ella, Vanderbilt '29, on Playing Trumpet, STEM Research, and Social Life

In this episode, Ella Graber, Vanderbilt '29, shares her experiences playing trumpet at Vanderbilt, her path to science research and pre-med studies, and making the most of community service and social life, on and off campus.About the Show:Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. Cover art by Raisa Effress“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe EffressTimestamps:00:00 Intro to Ella, Vanderbilt '2901:52 Trumpet & Overcoming Stage Fright03:46 Auditioning for Jazz at Vanderbilt06:29 Favorite Practice Space at Vanderbilt07:05 USC Summer Research Experience09:23 What's Cognitive Studies?10:40 Undergrad Research at Vanderbilt13:05 Aspirations in Medicine and Research16:24 Applying to Vanderbilt18:35 Speaking Spanish in Health Work20:14 Social Life at Vanderbilt#Vanderbilt #STEM #collegeapps #campuslife #greeklife #jazz #bigband #audition #vandy #studentlife #collegelife