2017-2018 Recipient of the Dino C. Casali Endowed Scholarship
YeEun (Yenny) Hong '19, voice performance major at The Hartt School, aspires to be a professional opera singer who makes a difference through music. It is because of the scholarship that she is able to fulfill her lifelong dream of studying in the United States. She is grateful for the generosity of donor—and the supportive faculty and staff—who are making it possible for her to pursue her dreams.
Ever since I was a young girl growing up in South Korea, I dreamed of studying in the United States and becoming a professional singer. When I auditioned for The Hartt School, I immediately knew this school would help me grow into the exact person I want to be. I really loved the curriculum and opera program here and it seemed perfectly constituted to allow for performance opportunities for students with dreams like mine.
I cannot express in words just how much this scholarship means to me. I had faced much financial difficulty during my sophomore year—completing my education at UHart was at risk and I thought I had to return home to South Korea. I really did not want to end my studies and just as I almost gave up hope, I learned I received this scholarship. I am so grateful to the supportive faculty and staff at The Hartt School who believed in me and for the tremendous generosity of this scholarship donor. This has completely changed my situation and is making my experience here possible. To me, this scholarship is not just helping to provide my education, but it has completely changed my life path.
I have so far been able to participate in numerous activities with other students, including performances and operas. One of my first proud moments was as a sophomore, I had a leading soprano role as the fox in The Cunning Little Vixen by Leoš Janáček, and have since performed in The Merry Widow and other major productions. I'm active both on campus and in the community with Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI), an international music fraternity that empowers sisterhood through music. I am looking forward to taking advantage of more opportunities to learn, not only in music but in different fields so I can continue to grow.
After I graduate from Hartt, I plan on pursuing a master's degree in voice performance and opera. I also plan on participating in competitions and working hard to mature as a musician. Ultimately, I want to achieve a career as a professional opera singer, with the hopes of bringing happiness to others through music.
Thank you so much for your generosity—I feel so blessed and am deeply appreciative. This scholarship has not only given me the chance to continue studying at The Hartt School but also has made it possible for me to pursue my dreams in America. This has truly been a life-changing experience and I know it will make a huge impact on my future. I hope that one day, I am able to give others opportunities, just as I was given.