Missouri Gamma Abigail “Abby” Mercer turned her passion for musical theater and playing the guitar into a potential career when she found out about a unique major offered at her hometown university. Abby’s grandfather and dad both attended Drury University (DU), so she has been familiar with the school her whole life. One day, her mom was reading an article about DU’s Music Therapy program in the University’s newsletter, and she thought it would be a perfect fit for Abby.

“It was a combination of something I love (music) and something I am passionate about (child psychology),” said Abby. She immediately planned a trip to visit the campus. Her dad took her on a tour, where they sat in on a class and toured the buildings where classes are held. The most impactful part of the visit was spending time at the Center for Music Therapy and Wellness (CMTW). Abby sat in on a session to watch Support Therapist Morgan Robertson work with a patient. The patient had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and Abby watched as the music brought the patient out of his shell. It was this moment that sold Abby on the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Music Therapy at DU.

After watching her in that initial session during the tour of CMTW, Morgan has become one of Abby’s mentors. The on-campus clinic was a huge draw for Abby, especially with 180 hours of practicum work to complete. She has been able to see her professors working with actual clients in their other jobs as therapists. Her practicum work has included an adolescent with development disorders as well as pre-school groups with different cognitive and behavioral issues. “The degree is really hands on,” said Abby. “There’s a lot of opportunity to be involved.”