Andi Koene is majoring in Musical Theatre. She plans to graduate in May of 2021.
Why did you major in Musical Theatre? Originally, I started this major because I absolutely love to make people laugh. Just knowing that I can get someone to smile makes my day. Now when I think about it, I still love doing that but also being able to see so many different perspectives from all different kinds of people/characters. It’s really an eye-opening experience.
What are your plans after graduation? For the longest time, I dreamt of auditioning for Saturday Night Live after graduation. More realistically, I plan on going to school to be an art teacher. But my dreams will never stop.
What academic experience or accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of being cast as Riff Raff in UWGB’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. That musical is my all-time favorite and it was an absolute dream come true to be in that production. Also, being nominated for an Irene Ryan award for that role.
What single thing do you hope to accomplish at UWGB before graduating? I already did it. I made life-long friends. I was in my first collegiate performance here. I built my confidence here. I discovered what type of person I am and what I want to be.
What do you do for fun? I do a lot of paintings and drawings.
What else do you want people to know about you? I want everyone to know to stay open minded. Don’t be afraid of change; don’t fear the unknown. I switched schools. I changed my major about three times and my choices and changes have led me to where I am today. I am forever grateful for the changes that happened in my life. Everything happens for a reason.
Andi is right, everything happens for a reason. I met Andi Koene for a reason. She will never know the impact that she has made on my life although to be quite frank, I doubt she even remembers who I am. I am Laney Zacek and I attended a summer camp at UWGB about 2-3 years ago. This is when I met one of the most kind-hearted, outgoing people in my life. I went into camp with a low self-esteem and a ” glass-half-empty” look on life. I told her everything about me and she was so open and honest. Her kind words have helped me through so much and has led me to be so much more optimistic and happy. She has influenced my life more than she knows and I am forever grateful to have met her. Thank you~
Thank you so much, Laney! This is so kind and of course, I remember you! I will never forget