My name is Breanna Rae Hillard.

Im from Fremont, Michigan and I graduated in the top

8% of my class from Fremont High School in 2014. I am currently an Elementary Education
major with a Music Education minor here at SVSU. All my life, Ive been dedicated to helping
others learn and thats what I will continue to do.
Entering SVSU, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Foundation Scholar. This program
only emits 60 incoming freshman in each year. Being a Foundation Scholar really stresses the
importance of leadership and strives to provide a select group of students with a unique college
experience through common coursework, living communities, and opportunities to study abroad
or improve a social condition in the local community. There are also many benefits of being one,
like priority registration. Ive really benefited from this program because of the leadership. With
me wanting to become a teacher, its important for me to gain more knowledge about how to be
an effective leader.
Teaching is something Ive wanted to do since I was very little. My grandma had been a
teacher for 30 years, and observing the way she connected with her students made me want to be
just like her. I want to inspire students the way she did and give them hope. I love knowing that
teachers give their students a chance to be successful in life and how they provide them with the
materials to be whatever they may choose. Education is something Im very passionate about.
People may say teaching doesnt make a lot of money, but its not about the money; its about
seeing the light in childrens eyes. Its about knowing that you are making a difference in their
lives.
I really enjoy playing music and learning the different instruments. I am a member of the
SVSU Cardinal Marching Band and Pep Band; I play the Piccolo during marching band season.
Currently, I know how to play the Flute, Piccolo, and Piano. Right now Im in the process of
learning how to play the Trumpet, Alto Saxophone, and the Oboe. Music has always been my
number one passion since I began eight years ago. Throughout my musical career, Ive earned
many accomplishments. From fifth through eighth grade, I won memorization trophies in piano
for memorizing the most songs, along with having the most practice time. Also during that time,
I received superior ratings each year at Piano State Festival. In 7th grade, I won musician of the
year on my Flute. By the time high school rolled around, I became first chair and the section
leader of the Flutes. My junior year, I received Best Marcher and Best Musician out of my grade.
Senior year, I received the John Philip Sousa Award, which is awarded to the top senior musician
who has shown dedication, leadership, loyalty, cooperation, dependability, and outstanding
musicianship. During my junior and senior year of high school, I also participated in Solo and
Ensemble playing a duet. We made it to State both years. Needless to say, music is the utmost
important aspect in my life. Its my number one passion and talent I embody.
I also enjoy theatre. I was in theatre all four years of high school. I love acting and
putting myself out on stage. Putting on different personas is very unique and exciting. Although
its something I dont see myself pursuing as a career, its definitely a hobby that I can do here or
there.