Hilary
Name
Hilary Lahan
Home city and country
My parents are from Massachusetts and Nueva Viscaya, Philippines. I grew up in Singapore, Kenya, Taiwan, and Jordan. I currently live in Amesbury, MA.
Secondary School
American Community School of Amman, Jordan
Major and minor(s) at Wheaton
English major, Ethnomusicology minor
Year of Wheaton graduation
2013
Activities at Wheaton
Lymin’ Lyons (steel pan band) Co-President, World Music Ensemble, Best Buds (member), Preceptor (academic peer advisor), Tour Guide
Why Wheaton
When I visited Wheaton, there was something about the atmosphere that excited me. People were very genuine, warm, and helpful. It’s a great community atmosphere where people really invest in others—academically and personally.
Adjusting to Wheaton
Once I became a Wheaton student, my biggest challenge was figuring out where I fit. As a U.S. Citizen with family in America, I didn’t feel like a full international student. But, because I’m half-Filipino and had never lived in America, I didn’t feel like an American either. When people asked me where I was from, I didn’t know what to tell them.
Eventually, I followed my love for music and joined some ensembles which helped me find my place. I soon realized that as nice as it is to find people with similar backgrounds, it is most important to find people with similar interests. Through these groups, I am doing what I love, and any culture-shock-induced anxieties have faded.
Favorite professor
One of the greatest aspects of Wheaton is the faculty! They are fascinating and exceed expectations by engaging students both in and out of the classroom. I am particularly grateful for Charlotte Meehan, my advisor. She challenges me as a writer and a thinker, and her classes inspire creative expression and experimentation. She is the professor I didn’t know I needed!
Academics at Wheaton
Because of Wheaton’s encouragement of experiential learning, I interned at a dinner theatre, The Amesbury Playhouse, which was a fascinating learning experience. Since moving to America, my life had been Wheaton. This internship helped me develop relationships outside of Wheaton and got me really excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Favorite activities
One of my favorite activities is playing with the Lymin’ Lyons, our steel pan band. I’d never played steel pan before coming to Wheaton, but it was something I wanted to try. We play and learn mostly by ear, so it’s all about feeling the songs and letting them take over—it’s super cool and so fun!
