God Gave Me a Voice

“I love, love, love music! It feeds my soul and nourishes my spirituality in a way that doesn’t always need words,” expressed Susan Allen, a Conrad Grebel University College alumna who earned a Liberal Studies degree with a minor in Church Music and Worship from the University of Waterloo. With the goal of turning her 3-year degree into a 4-year honours degree, Susan returned to Grebel. Although the pandemic cancelled her convocation ceremony in 2020, Susan will soon graduate again and have the opportunity she deserves to cross the stage in triumph. 

 As an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years, Susan has always loved the classroom environment.  “I always thought it would be nice to go to university, but it wasn’t really on my radar,” she said. “I had a teaching job and a family.” 

Then, in a community choir in 2012, Susan met Stephanie Kramer, a Voice Instructor and Studio Coordinator at Grebel. She was inspired by Stephanie to fulfill her lifelong goal of attending university. “I realized I simply had more time, so I enrolled!”  

Choosing music was a natural choice. “I grew up in a Baptist church, and singing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she explained. Through her studies, Susan’s love for singing continues to be strengthened by her faith. “God gave me a voice, and when I sing, I feel his pleasure,” she shared. 

Adjusting to her new lifestyle was not always easy, but Susan persevered. “At first, I wasn’t confident that I could do well,” she admitted. However, the supportive community at Grebel cheered her on and helped build self-confidence. “I made friends with all the Grebel faculty and other students. They were very encouraging, and I always found an ear to talk to if I was having difficulty,” Susan said. “Everyone is your cheerleader!”  

She quickly integrated into Grebel’s student life by actively involving herself with many of the activities the Music Department offers, such as recitals, choirs, worship, and more. “Susan is involved in plenty of extracurriculars,” said Angelica Allen, the Music Ensemble and Concert Coordinator at Grebel and friend of Susan. “She is vibrant, passionate, and determined. She enriches the lives of everyone she meets in those spaces, as well as her own.” 

“For Susan, it’s a labour of love,” said Mark Vuorinen, Music Chair, who has also directed Susan in choirs. Going to university, even later in life, was a personal affirmation for Susan, making her experience at Grebel especially rewarding. 

Susan is encouraging of people who want to go back to school as a mature student but are hesitant to commit to a new kind of academia. “You have to be confident in yourself!” She said. Susan knew that if she was interested in something, it was perfectly okay to work at her own pace. Time was no barrier for passion and learning.  

As Susan embraced Grebel’s community, her experience transformed into something even more worthwhile and heartwarming. “I’ve always felt welcomed and like I truly belonged here,” she shared. At Grebel, Susan found more than just knowledge and expertise in her field. She found lifelong friends and a community who loves music and human connection just as much as she does.

By Farah Jurdi