Students Outside the Classroom: Bradley Turner

Bradley Turner is a 2nd year Industrial Design student. He is a part of the Marching Virginians as well as jazz band.

When I started off at Tech, I was pretty sure I wanted to do mechanical engineering. As the first semester progressed, I realized it wasn’t the best fit for me and my advisor told me to check out other majors as backups. I’d never heard of industrial design, but she recommended for me to look into it. One walk through Burchard Hall and I knew that it was the major for me. The first time I applied to the program I didn’t get in, but I knew I was going to apply again the following year. I was able to take some industrial design classes last semester and it really solidified my choice. The second time I applied to the program I was accepted and enrolled in summer studio.

I participated in band all throughout high school and I knew I wanted to be a part of the marching band when I came to Tech. I’ve always enjoyed playing my instrument and it’s something that I want to do for the rest of my life. My favorite part about being in the Marching Virginians would probably be the social aspect of it; getting to be with my friends. The games are also really fun – you get to go to all the games! It gives me an opportunity to step away from studio and clear my mind. The amount of enjoyment I get from being a part of it makes me want to work towards balancing it with school.

My first semester of college was hectic trying to balance band with my studies. As a freshman you’re trying to figure out your classes and adjust to a new lifestyle. This year has been pretty busy for me now that I’ve changed majors. I don’t have time for anything other than band and schoolwork. Band rehearsal is every Monday through Friday from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. I also have jazz band practice Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for an hour before studio. On game days, whether at home or the several away games we attend, almost all of your Saturday is taken up. Sometimes it feels like too much time, but you’re with friends and having a great time.

I’ve learned to not waste time. My experience earlier this year in summer studio has prepared me for this semester. It was an intensive experience; my classmates and I were in the studio all the time. It provided me with a good foundation on studio culture by taking up the habit of always being at my desk working. I learned to just put my headphones in, put my head down, and get work done. Making my schedule work is a matter of being dedicated to what I find important.