The Next Step for Musical Student: Credits Tarleton for finding her career

BY MICHAELA DENNIS / Executive Producer

Halani Harber is a senior at Tarleton State University. She is officially walking the stage May 10, 2024. 

Harber’s story is unique as she is not a traditional student and was able to find a profession she loves through her experiences at Tarleton. 

Harber came to Tarleton as a transfer student. She transferred from Webster University in Missouri. Additionally, her college journey was extended for six years due to changing her major. However, this did not stop Harbor from pursuing her education. 

Harber joined Delta Phi Epsilon at Webster to gain more of a connection with her campus and student body. 

“It was really important to have that support with similar values as me,” said Harber.

Harber instantly fell in love with her sorority and chapter members. Due to COVID-19, most events were on zoom. This limited her experience to celebrate major milestones like her induction ceremony. 

Harber enjoyed her experience with her sorority, but she eventually began longing for another major. She embraced her newfound passion which was teaching. 

“I decided I wanted to teach theater and go through a traditional teacher education program,” said Harber.

Finding a new school was complicated for Harber. She wanted to change her major to Fine Arts Theater Education but the options to further her education were slim. Only five schools in Texas have her major and only two chapters in Texas accompany her sorority. 

After eliminating, Harber chose Tarleton as her alma mater. A choice she has not regretted. Harber embraced the spirit of, “Bleeding Purple,” by being active in more than three organizations on campus and holding officer positions in two of the three. 

She enjoyed Tarleton’s initiative to embrace their traditions because she believed it made the place feel more like a home. Harbor compares this to family traditions that set each family apart. 

“Going to a school that has a strong sense of traditions makes us unique compared to others and even while our school is growing, it has that tight knit feel because of those traditions,” said Harbor.

Despite this, Harber enjoyed her experience as a member of the theater program the most. She was active in Tarleton’s theater arts program since joining the university her junior year working as a lighting technician. 

Her fondest memory at Tarleton was when the program’s production of Lizzie Borden went to regionals. It gave her a sense of pride and belonging. Especially since she got to experience this moment with her favorite friends. 

“Although we are not known as an arts school it was nice to know we can hang with the bigger universities,” said Harber.

Because Harber attended Tarleton, she found herself more in educational theater. For instance, she wants to teach because she loves working with children, having an impact on their lives, being able to be silly and not have the added stress of what a typical stage performer would go through. 

“I get paid to have fun and hang with kids,” said Harber. “I think it is the best job ever.”

Luckily for Harbor, she was the Director of the Fine Arts Program at Ennis High School. She attended a job fair at Tarleton and eventually was awarded the head position. She is a burst of positive emotions as she explains how excited she is about her career. 

“I’m so excited with the district that chose me and I chose them,” said Harber. “I get to inspire kids through art.”

After participating in the high school tour with the school’s president and administration, Harber knew this was the school for her. She even mentioned how her future coworkers have been reaching out to check on her well-being as she preps for graduation. 

This excitement has also led her to plan her future around our director position. Harber mentioned her plans for her first year, how she plans on continuing practicing her skills as an actress and what she hopes to accomplish with the students.

“I want to participate in programs in the summer, so I don’t become out of touch and narrow minded towards my students,” said Harber.

Harbor gives credit to her past Fine Arts instructors for her eagerness for teaching. For her, those figures served as strong mentors and left a positive impact on her life. A gift she is trying to return to her newfound students. 

Reflecting on her freshman year, Harbor would have never thought she would have ended her college journey like this. 

“Eighteen-year-old me would have thought I would have graduated in four years, gotten a job on a touring show, and would be working concerts,” said Harber.

Although Harbor is elated to have the director position, she admits it does not matter to her. She fell in love with the school district and that was all that mattered.