Siqing Cheng International Business Kaylee Chilton Communication Sciences & Disorders James Chong Accounting Nick Clemmons Psychology/Leadership & Ministry Kasey Coble Print Journalism Alma Cojom Finance/Management Ashley Coons Mathematics Licensure Brittany Cowdery Family & Consumer Sciences Education Carl Craig Graphic Design Brett Cravens Nursing DEDICATED TO DANCE Senior Tori Randolph uses her passion for dance to inspire and minister to her own class of dancers M ost girls want to be dancers at some point in their childhood. Occasionally, that love grows beyond a phase into a passion. For senior Tori Randolph, an English major with teaching licensure, dancing defined her life, leading to a "dedication and love for [her] dance students that is otherworldly," as 2012 alumna and friend Jordan Norton said. Randolph began dancing when she was two at Ms. Karen's Dance Studio in Little Rock and competed during her school years, but she planned on quitting once she came to college. After some thought, Randolph said she decided that a 40-minute drive was well worth the opportunity to continue dancing. Since 2008, Randolph taught dance at the same studio that first introduced her to dancing when she was a child. "Teaching was the natural thing to do after I was done competing," Randolph said. "I had been a student teacher before then, but I had a very surreal moment the first time I was backstage watching my students dance. It felt right. I knew I was made for that side of the curtain." Randolph said driving to Little Rock for dance three days a week was a challenge. She was often tired and stressed about school. Even so, she said "the challenges are part of the blessing." She used her drives to pray and to find peace. "Working in such a competition-oriented setting, I do, at times, feel that my small voice isn't being heard," Randolph said. "But then God reveals to me that the seeds I'm planting in the hearts of these girls will grow, even if I never see the fruits of my efforts in some of them." Freshman year, Randolph met Hannah Hensley, who was also a freshman, and the girls bonded over their love for dance. Hensley taught dance at Ms. Karen's Dance Studio with Randolph during her sophomore and junior years in college. "Tori is my God-given best friend, and we loved every minute teaching with each other," Hensley said. "Though our backgrounds in dance are different, we want to use our talent to share our lives with these children." Hensley decided to stop teaching in her senior year. As a graphic design major, she needed to work on her portfolio and to complete her course work. Hensley said dance encouraged her to m~jor in graphic design, and she hoped to someday own a movement and art company, which she said would be half art-studio, half dance-studio. Hensley said she thought Randolph would continue teaching dance long after graduation. "I'm not sure what next year holds for me; in dance, in a career, it's all a mystery," Randolph said. "But I'm trusting God's plan for my life, and I know no matter what the circumstances, teaching or not, I'll always be dancing." Norton reflected on the ministry that the two friends had made of teaching dance. She said they praised God through their instruction, and their lives glorified him. "Every movement Hannah and Tori make, whether it's dancing or in their daily life, is an act of worship to God," Norton said. "Tori and Hannah continuously give up their time to selflessly serve as role models for their students, inspiring each of them to overcome hardships and embrace the gift of human creativity. Those lucky enough to witness that passion can't help but be inspired." Lyndsey Ruble Seniors 1119
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