Alayna Watson '21 Music Production and Business Administration
Alayna Watson ‘21 originally wanted to move to a big city to pursue a career as a music artist. However, after she visited Malone, her plans changed. Watson loved the small school atmosphere that Malone offered and that there were many opportunities for campus involvement. She liked the close proximity of Malone to her hometown in Alliance, and Associate Professor Jon C. Peterson was influential in her final decision to choose Malone.
Watson chose to study Music Production and Business Administration and plans to go to law school after graduation to become an entertainment lawyer. She particularly enjoys Music Production because she loves studying and writing music. Watson is also interested in the business side of music, specifically how music contracts work.
“Music is so much more complex than people think. It is like an equation,” she said. “It’s fun to dive into the mathematical parts of music and figure out how to put them all together.”
Watson enjoys being involved in many organizations on campus. She serves as the Malone University Chorale president and participated on the Celebration worship team for one year. She also was a member of the band for Community Worship and the travel worship band for three years.
As a work-study student employee for Event Services, not only does Watson assist with event planning, but she has also learned how to run a camera, take pictures, make cables-- all of which have improved her music production skills. These additional experiences have helped to enhance Watson’s education, giving her the college experience that she was hoping to receive.
The Malone community has made her feel welcome and has affirmed that she belongs. Watson has learned how to show hospitality to all Malone students from the examples set by her classmates. Her mentors have shown her what true leadership is and that equal opportunity is important.
“It hurts to know that you are capable of being a part of something, but no one thought to ask you if you wanted to join,” she said. “Anytime I am leading, or making decisions with a group, I try to make everyone feel as if they are a part of the team. I learned from my business classes that it is important in management to engage others and to lead and help the team come together. I have witnessed how that can help with the overall work ethic and creative thinking of team members.”
Stephanie Merchant, leadership and discipleship coordinator for the Spiritual Formation Office and Cindy Lundin, director of Event Services have been helpful Malone community role models for Watson. They taught Watson lessons that have helped her grow in her faith.
“God will always be there, even though it seems as if there is no hope," she said. “When it feels like my life is out of control, I repeat Steph and Cindy’s advice to myself as a reminder that God is in control of every situation I will face.”