Later, when Martha was a student at Hempfield High School, near Lancaster, Pa., she began searching for a university that would help her take her varied talents to the next level. Susquehanna seemed like the natural choice. “One of the things I loved about SU was that you could do both vocals and instrumentals,” says Martha, explaining that many schools do not encourage such diversification. “That was a real perk.”

Today, Martha, an alto whose instrument of choice is the oboe, is a music education major. She is also extremely active, serving as secretary of the Collegiate Music Educators National Conference, and as a member of the professional music fraternity for women Sigma Alpha Iota, the band, orchestra, choir, chamber singers and woodwind quintet — as well as a student of voice, in her rare spare time.

“That keeps me pretty busy,” admits Martha, adding that music students are also required to perform in and attend frequent student and faculty recitals. As a result, she says, “As far as the music department goes, it feels like family. We’re all pretty close.”

Martha credits Susquehanna with helping to hone her talents and build her leadership skills. While Martha recalls being “really, really shy” as a first-year student, she gained self-assurance from interactions with students and faculty — and by getting involved in campus activities that gave her “a million more responsibilities than I was used to having.” Now, “I’m more independent, more assertive and have more confidence,” she says.

By faculty measures, Martha, a junior, has already hit a high note. Professor of Music Susan Hegberg recognizes her as very strong in her academic courses and a “versatile and talented musician.” Gail Levinsky, assistant professor of music and Martha’s advisor, agrees she is “the type of student who has what we look for. She's intelligent, creative, responsible, and has a passion for learning.”

Inspired by some of her teachers who served as “wonderful role models,” Martha’s goal as an educator is “to be someone students can look up to not only as a teacher, but as a person.”

“I have always loved working with children, and for me to be able to work with others while teaching them about the thing which I most love truly excites me,” she says.

Martha is still undecided about whether she'll begin her career upon graduating, or first attend graduate school. When she does start working, she says: “I’d like to teach either high school or middle school music, and I’d like to have a private oboe studio as well. But there are so many directions I could go—the possibilities are endless. I know I will have the confidence to do whatever I am called to do.”

—Beth Fantaskey Kaszuba