Biography

Hi! My name is Brianna Gilligan (she/her/hers). Although my roots are originally in Seattle, Washington, I grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and proudly call the Land of Enchantment home. I graduated with my bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Performance, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration here at New Mexico State University. When I’m not busy playing my tuba, you can catch me being a desert flower and enjoying the beautiful New Mexico sunsets and sunshine!

 

 

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Why/how did you decide what you wanted to major in in college? 

I am a band geek through and through. I was one of those students that had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for my career; all I knew was that I love music and helping people. Music gave me my life’s purpose and gave me the opportunity to build a support system throughout college. I was able to continue performing and build my work ethic and leadership through music. Education taught me how to teach and built my core values for working with students and people. Choosing both Music Education and Music Performance as my majors was the perfect fit and the best decision I ever made! 

What extra/co-curricular activities did you participate in as an undergraduate?

I was in the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Brass Choir, Brass Quintet, University Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Quartet, and Theatre Pit Ensemble. In addition to tuba lessons, I also took piano lessons and learned all the instruments I could, including (but not limited to) bass trombone, horn, clarinet, alto saxophone, euphonium, violin, and percussion. In addition, I was a drum major for the marching band and basketball pep band, and even marched drum corps and performed on the contra for two years. I was also involved in professional organizations such as the National Association for Music Education, New Mexico Music Educators Association, National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity and Kappa Delta Pi, Honor Society. I was even a cabin counselor for a fine arts camp one summer. As an undergraduate student, it is safe to say that I did all the musical things!

Did you face any challenges while in college?

Absolutely, if I had a penny for the number of times that I heard that pursuing music was going to get me nowhere, I would be rich! As a Filipina/Latina woman who plays a male-dominated instrument, I struggled with discrimination, finding my voice, and feeling confident in my capabilities. I also spent the last two years of my college years during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a screeching halt for my conducting opportunities, senior recital, employment, and student teaching. Most of all, I struggled with my mental health and did not know that there was a whole life waiting for me after college. I genuinely thought I was going to be in college forever and didn’t know how to transition into adulting full-time and finding a career I loved. I am proud to say that I graduated summa cum laude and proved those people wrong. Playing the tuba and pursuing my education was worth every moment and experience. I embraced these life transitions and never settled for what other people said about my life. I trusted myself to follow my heart and keep going, and I am so glad I did. 

Why did you decide to become an Academic Advisor? 

When I realized that being an academic advisor meant that I would have the opportunity to mentor and empower students to succeed, I knew that it was my calling. I am committed to breaking down systemic barriers and helping students gain access to their educational path and dreams in life. I truly believe in the power of education and how it can be used to create opportunities and build social mobility. My past experiences fuel my advising vision, which is to help students graduate, find that career they love, and to help them pursue their dreams in life. I always tell students that I don’t expect anyone to know what to do for the rest of their lives when they start college, but no matter what, DO NOT ever give up on trying to find out. There is a unique path for everyone and I am so grateful that I get the opportunity to accompany students in finding their way, each and every day.