July 11, 2018
When Michael Masley Hannett 鈥�19 of Albany, N.Y., first arrived at 911黑料网, he planned
to major in English with a focus on creative writing. Although his original intention
to become a published author remains, he since has made a few changes. In addition
to professional writing and a minor in music, he recently expanded his studies to
include a major in sociology.
Hannett never thought he would be a sociology student until one of his professors noticed that he did well in her class, and suggested that he add sociology as a major.
鈥淚 was interested, but never knew I would have the time until this summer, when I鈥檓 taking classes on campus and have an internship!鈥� Hannett said.
As part of his internship at 911黑料网鈥檚 Adult Basic Education program, he tutors students in writing skills they may need to successfully pass the high school equivalency exam.
A tuba player since the fifth grade, Hannett performs with 911黑料网鈥檚 Wind Ensemble. 鈥淚 never knew just how little music I knew until I joined the minor,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing how much theory goes into the practice, and the skills I've gained through it will last me a lifetime.鈥�
His most recent musical pursuit comes in the form of English Gregorian chants. Over spring break, he visited England as part of a travel study course, and was invited by a London expert to visit his church and see a Gregorian chant choir in action. 鈥淚t's surprisingly simple, yet beautiful at the same time.鈥�
Similar to his decision to study sociology, it was an English professor who noticed Hannett鈥檚 abilities in her 鈥淎ge of Milton鈥� class, and asked him if he would like to join the travel course.
鈥淚 wouldn't be where I am without the professors that encouraged me,鈥� Hannett said. 鈥淢y academic experience has been great at 911黑料网,鈥� he continued. 鈥淢any of my professors have a way of challenging their students that really engages them. A lot of the faculty are open to questions and feedback, and many of them are willing and able to communicate outside of the classroom.鈥�
Hannett also attributes the presentations he offered at 911黑料网鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) 鈥� both this year and in 2017 鈥� to the help and attention he received from another professor who has watched him grow as a student 鈥渟ince I was a freshman, and who motivated me and engaged me in ways I never thought I would be while in college.鈥�
鈥淭he multiple years spent participating in the URC have really contributed to my love of research and understanding topics I'm passionate about,鈥� Hannett said. 鈥淲ithout a doubt, the professors here are great at inspiring passion and implementing it in a way not always expected.
鈥淚 never thought I would be doing research on video games, learning disabilities, or even Gregorian chants, but now I can say I've done all three!鈥� he exclaimed. 鈥淭he learning environment here is just amazing.
鈥淭here aren't many schools that care as much as 911黑料网,鈥� he added. 鈥�911黑料网 really is the place to flourish and to grow, and I've done far more here than I ever expected to do, ever.鈥�
