Senior Annie Trousdell Chooses Binghamton University
Annie Trousdell was impressed with Binghamton University shortly after arriving there for a visit. The Huntington High School senior spent time weighing the pros and cons of various colleges before deciding the upstate New York school is the place where she wants to spend the next four years.
“As soon as I arrived at Binghamton University, I knew it would soon become one of my top choices,” Ms. Trousdell said. “The Binghamton community as a whole was so welcoming towards me as well as the other touring students. The campus, to me, was overall breathtaking as I toured each and every building.”
When it came time to decide which college to attend, Binghamton’s extensive biology program won over Ms. Trousdell. With plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist, the teenager believes Binghamton’s biology offerings will lay a strong foundation for moving forward.
An athlete and musician
“Some of my most memorable highlights in Huntington were playing varsity softball for three years, gaining skills while also creating eventful memories with my teammates as well as my coaches, who helped me strive and prosper to obtain the skills I needed to become the player I am today,” Ms. Trousdell said.
The teenager has been very involved in Huntington’s music program. Ms. Trousdell has been a violinist in the chamber orchestra for four years and was inducted into the Tri-M music honor society as a sophomore. The senior has participated in NYSSMA since fourth grade, performing as a soloist or with a duo or quartet, “which really made me embrace my passion for music as the years had passed.”
While academics have clearly been Ms. Trousdell’s first priority, she has always made time to engage in volunteer activities, too. “During the school year as well as over the summer, I volunteer at the local Little Shelter due to my strong passion for animals; walking and feeding the dogs there, but most importantly to help them receive the loving homes they have been longing for.”
“Two most important advisors”
The teenager said many teachers and coaches have played a part in her journey through Huntington, but the “two most important advisors in my life so far” have been high school dean Robert Gilmor III and Blue Devil softball coach Jim Byrnes.
Ms. Trousdell has worked alongside Mr. Gilmor in the Natural Helpers club. “He introduced me to the club during my sophomore year and he has always been there for me and everyone in the school, brightening up their day with his cheery smile every day,” the senior said.
The senior played under Mr. Byrnes on the JV and varsity softball teams. “He’s been encouraging me each year, pushing me to do better and to overcome any obstacles that came my way because of his strong belief in my abilities and talents,” Ms. Trousdell said.
The teenager will fondly remember Messrs. Gilmor and Byrnes. “They have always been my role models and though they will be missed, they will never be replaced, Ms. Trousdell said.
The senior narrowed her college choices to SUNY Geneseo and Binghamton before selecting the latter. “To me, every first impression counts and Binghamton was by far the best,” Ms. Trousdell said. “Due to Binghamton’s welcoming community, I plan on attending and becoming involved in various clubs as well as exploring the campus to get a better feel for it.”
As she prepares to leave home for college and begin a new chapter in her life, Ms. Trousdell took time to offer a bit of advice to Huntington’s Class of 2020.
“My advice for incoming freshmen would be to surround yourself with people who will do nothing but encourage you and push you to your potential, but also to create lifelong friendships along the way,” Ms. Trousdell said.
The teenager plans to spend the summer volunteering in a physical therapy office “to become more knowledgeable in the field and to make sure I know if this is the career for me,” Ms. Trousdell said. “Overall, my high school experience has been full of eventful memories that I wish to never forget!”