In my first year of college, I had big dreams of being part of the theater program. Although I wasn’t a theater major, I decided to audition for NMU’s production of A Charlie Brown Christmas Special. I was fortunate to land a small, but fun role as a Christmas caroler, where I sang in the lobby before the show and made a few special appearances on stage. This experience ended up being so much more than I expected—it allowed me to meet amazing people, including my favorite roommate and best friend, who I’m still close with today.

As one of the Christmas carolers, I used this kazoo during a special appearance onstage. Although the experience was challenging, it was incredibly rewarding, pushing me outside of my comfort zone and giving me lasting memories from my college years. One of my favorite memories was performing Christmas carols on TV6 news at 6 a.m., a moment I’ll never forget. Every time I see this kazoo, I’m reminded of the laughter, camaraderie, and growth I experienced during this show. It will forever be a cherished part of my college journey.