Giving Thanks: Scholarship Recipient Hopes to Combine Love of Writing and Music into Journalism and Teaching Career

This holiday season, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible. 

Meet Katelyn Barry, who thanks to the George A. Gearhart Scholarship Fund, is one step closer to her dream career as a music journalist and teacher.

George A. Gearhart Scholarship Fund Recipient Katelyn Barry

Hometown: Willis, Texas
Graduation: 2021
Major(s)/Minor(s): News/Editorial Journalism and Music Education
Activities/Interests: I love playing the oboe and writing, but aside from major-related interests I really enjoy camping, hiking, running and generally exploring the beautiful nature Arkansas has to offer.
Career Aspirations: I aspire to freelance write music-related feature articles for music magazines and/or other arts news outlets, in addition to writing press releases for musicians or a classical music label. I would also love to be able to teach music at underfunded schools in addition to my journalistic career interests.

In her own words:

I would like to formally thank you for your generous contribution, as this scholarship has helped provide me with the opportunity to pursue my career dreams and hopefully, potentially educate the world through written news and art.

I am currently a junior double majoring in News/Editorial Journalism and Music Education.

I am involved in many campus programs, including the Razorback Yearbook, writing for the music department, the Razorback Marching Band leadership team and the U of A Wind Ensemble.

One of my proudest honors was being chosen to perform a solo oboe performance in the U of A honors recital.

My career goal is to be a music educator and help build a program in a school district with an underdeveloped music classes. I hope to also continue to freelance for music magazines or journals to continue to teach both students and the world about how important music is as an art form.

This scholarship not only helps me to pursue my short-term goal of graduating with two degrees in four years, but also supplements my long-term goal of changing the world with music and news to expose others to different cultures.

Without this scholarship, I would have to focus more on working to supplement my education and less on gaining the experience in writing and playing my instrument before I’m thrown into the work force, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to gain all the experience I can for my future students.

I cannot express my gratitude enough for being chosen as a recipient for this scholarship, and once again thank you so much for the opportunity.

Best Regards,

Katelyn Barry

For more information about the George A. Gearhart Scholarship Fund, or to make a year-end gift to support it, please give online now, or contact Fulbright College’s Office of Development and External Relations at 479-575-3712 or email fulbright@uark.edu.