Senior Spotlight Luke Peterson

When I reflect upon the past four years at St. Ambrose University, the word that I think perfectly wraps up my experience is discovery.

Whether it be a discovery I had on stage during a tech-week rehearsal, a discovery of learning about a new social theory in one of my Sociology classes, or a personal discovery about who I am and my purpose in the world, college for me has been all about exploration. I feel very fortunate to have been able to thrive in an environment that saw me, supported me, and sculpted me into the person I am today.

Therefore, for my Senior Spotlight article, which also happens to be the last article I will have worked on as SAU Theatre Newsletter Editor-in-Chief, I wanted to share a few of my discoveries with you all.

Your art is only as healthy as you are.
I do not think it is a surprise to anyone that college is stressful. Balancing academic responsibilities with my theatrical and social responsibilities is a skill I had to learn very quickly, although it is a skill I have yet to master.

Between my double major in Theatre and Sociology, working 8-10 hours a week as a work-study student, participating in University Chorale and Chamber Singers, acting as the Director of the Theatre Appreciation Club, being Newsletter Editor, serving on SAU's Student Philanthropy Council, and working on five productions a year, people loved to ask me when I slept. Speaking honestly, some nights I didn't. While I never pulled a true all-nighter, there were numerous occasions during my underclassmen years where I allowed myself to only get two or three hours of sleep, and my art, as well as my mental health, suffered as a result of it.

To put it simply, no one is going to give their best audition, write their best essay, or sing their best in choir if they aren't taking care of their physical and mental needs. For too long, I put personal success above my own personal needs, not understanding that the time I spent ignoring my mental health, was the time I spent repairing it later.

That being said, I absolutely do not regret taking on any of the responsibilities I did while at SAU, because I truly believe that St. Ambrose is a school where you can "do it all," if you set your mind to it. However, it is important to set boundaries (one hour of mindfulness each day, a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night, etc.) to make sure you are "doing it all" healthily.

Over-prepare; then go with the flow.
Anyone that knows me can attest that I am a huge planner. I dive fully into any project that I take on, as I want to get the most out of each and every opportunity.

While the COVID-19 pandemic was horrible in many, many ways, one good lesson it taught me was that my future is going to shape itself. While yes, it is always important to work hard and be prepared, ultimately, so much is out of our hands.

When I lost my Paul Bunyan contract, I was devastated, because it had ruined the plans I had for myself. However, the saying is true that when one door closes, another one opens, and I ended up receiving a year-long contract in the theatre hub I already wanted to move to. I'm so appreciative and excited for my CLIMB contract, and it serves as an excellent reminder that everything will work out exactly how it's supposed to.

Other people's successes are not your failures.
Theatre is competitive. Point. Blank. Period. However, one saying that has helped in keeping me grounded throughout my college journey is, "there's room for everyone at the table. Some people will just get served before you."

When I first got to SAU, I found myself landing ensemble roles in shows such as Cinderella and Cabaret. And while I am a big believer in saying there is no such thing as a small role, and I loved working on those productions, I desperately wanted the chance to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition at KCACTF.

Over the next couple of years, I kept improving by listening to the feedback I was getting in class, and by going to numerous coaching sessions. Eventually, I ended up receiving two Irene Ryan nominations, one for my role as The Conceited Man in The Little Prince and one for my role as Alan Billing in An Enemy of the People. Therefore, even though it took me longer to get my first nomination than it did some of my very talented peers, their successes were not my failures. Ultimately, I have learned there is always going to be someone more talented, more experienced, etc., so it's all about knowing what skills you bring to the table and not comparing your theatrical journey to anyone else's.

People always remember how you make them feel.
This is a saying I believed in before I got to St. Ambrose, but I re-discovered how important it was to me throughout my time here.

Some of my favorite memories during my college years were having fun at Rumors rehearsals with senior Ellie Larson and SAU graduates Kendall McKasson ‘19, Abbie Carpenter ‘20, Sarah Goodall ‘20, Mel Maylum ‘20, and TJ Green ‘20; having Taco Tuesday nights with juniors K. Hampton and Becky Meissen; and having movie nights with my good friends, junior Joseph Lasher and sophomores Peyton Reese and Quinnie Rodman. In each of these instances, I cannot recall what exactly was said or what made us all laugh. Rather, what I carry with me are the feelings of joy I experienced when hanging out with each of these pals. I have experienced firsthand some of the negative people in the world whose hearts don't align with my values, so making such wonderful memories with friends I adore are the moments I'll cherish forever.

All in all, I could not be more blessed by all I learned in and outside of the classroom at St. Ambrose University. I would not be who I am without the guidance of Cory Johnson, Kris Eitrheim, Dianne Dye, and Dan Rairdin-Hale. Each of these humans have given parts of their hearts to me, and for that I'll be forever grateful.

Thanks for everything, SAU Theatre. I can't wait to take all the discoveries I made with me on my future adventures.