New perspectives sparked a career change for Alexandra Paulson ’15

An overnight visit to Ripon College sealed the deal for Alexandra Paulson ’15 when she was deciding where to go to college. She says she fell in love with Ripon after getting to play with the Jazz Ensemble and to sit in on a music class during her overnight stay. “I felt really welcomed and loved the atmosphere of the campus,” she says.

The small class sizes at Ripon helped her to develop her musical knowledge and feel comfortable in class. While she is now a choral teacher, Paulson says that when she began her journey at Ripon, she never thought that she would be a music teacher, especially not a choir teacher. She had always been more interested in instrumental music than vocal music.

However, she says, “With the amazing professors in both the music and education departments, I have found a career I love.”

She majored in music with a minor in educational studies at Ripon, and she now is the choir teacher at Ripon Middle School. As part of her responsibilities, she plans concerts and assists in the middle school musical in the spring. She maintains a connection with some of her professors from Ripon College and asks for input when situations arise at school.

She says the most rewarding part of her experience at Ripon College was being part of the orientation committee. She enjoyed planning activities and helping first-years adjust to being on campus. Because she enjoyed helping the incoming first-years so much, Paulson says, “Welcome Week definitely holds some of my best memories of Ripon.”

Jillian Heidenreich ’22
Monroe, Wisconsin