Immersed in a world of music, Mari is a fifteen year veteran of violin performances from Denver, Colorado. Throughout the years, she’s lived in 6 states, 7 cities, and 11 houses total but ideally would like to inhabit a room full of snacks. She also has a younger sister who is graduating from TPS this year. Some of her hobbies include skiing, training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, hiking, reading, and cooking. During her free time, she would schedule events such as reading historical fiction novels, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and napping. Currently, she’s attending Florida State University and double majoring in Violin Performance and Marketing.
What are some of your favorites? Favorite book and movie? Favorite subject in school?
Mari: I am a big fan of WWI and WWII history, so that’s played a part in a lot of my favorites. My favorite book is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, my favorite movie is anything about WWII, and my favorite subject in school is history.
Why did you choose to become a part of the clay staff?
Mari: I chose to apply for clay staff my sophomore year because I wanted to become more involved in TPS and meet people with similar interests. During the three years I was on staff, I was the Open Mic editor, the Theology and Worldview editor, and Senior Editor.
What are some of the best things about becoming a dictator of clay?
Mari: Obviously the undisputed respect and admiration from all in TPS and the power that came with such a title. Okay maybe not. In all seriousness, I really enjoyed the opportunity to apply my own ideas and creativity to clay and serve as a leader to the rest of the staff to make sure everything ran smoothly. I also had a great time getting to know my co-Senior Editor and working alongside her.
What were some of your favorite classes at TPS?
Mari: I took classes at TPS for 5 years, and some of my favorite classes were Advanced Composition with Mrs. Yagel, AP Language with Dr. Leake, Honors Biology with Dr. Rockholm, and Contemporary World History with Miss Stoker.
What was your most memorable interaction with TPS classmates/teachers/staff?
Mari: My Advanced Composition class became pretty good friends and decided to write a short story together – except that story turned into 50 pages of plot twists and side characters, titled as “The Class That Made Mrs. Yagel Laugh.” So we started a sequel to continue the story…and a sequel to the sequel, which is still occasionally added onto to this day. Also, my AP Language class found Dr. Leake’s fascination with old English and Transformers hilarious, so we created an extensive collection of memes tailored to him and to the class.
What inspired your enthusiasm for violin? What are some of the best things that playing violin has brought you?
Mari: When I was about three years old, I saw a group of college music students perform and decided I wanted to play like them. I began asking my parents for a violin and started playing shortly after I turned four. Except for a couple breaks due to injury and other reasons, I’ve been playing for about fifteen years and have received countless opportunities through music. Some of my closest friendships have been made through music, and I’ve had the chance to do some pretty cool performances, including playing with the Piano Guys at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, performing for various business and government meetings, and playing world premieres of pieces written by friends and colleagues.
How has your life changed switching from an online school to an in person college? Anything that surprised you or anything you had to adjust to?
Mari: It definitely took a few weeks to get used to all the extra time it takes to walk between classes, wait for the professor, and wait for other students during class activities. The online model is more efficient, but I have definitely enjoyed the more social aspect of in-person learning. I have really enjoyed getting to know my classmates, and I find it much easier to engage and retain information during in-person classes.
What did you originally want to be when you were younger?
Mari: I wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was younger, but unfortunately, I never grew quite tall enough to qualify. I considered several other options over the years, but have settled on some combination of music and business (at least for now).
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Mari: My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31, which says: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This verse is a good reminder to trust in the Lord and rely on Him for strength, rather than trying to do it all on our own.
Photo Credit: Mari Stanton