Q&A with Ashly Spencer

Ashly Spencer, a sophomore elementary education major at Texas Wesleyan, joined the Texas Girls' Choir at eight years old. She is just one of several Texas Wesleyan students and alumni who are also alumnae of the Girls' Choir, including its director, Debi Weir, BS '74.

Ashly was named Girl of the Year for 2006 and Smile Queen by the Girls' Choir. The Smile Queen is judged on her expression when performing, constanting having a positive attitude, being friendly, and encouraging to her fellow choir members. Girl of the Year is chosen by the staff of the Girls' Choir.

Amy Batheja of the Office of Communications sat down with Ashly for a short chat.

Amy Batheja (Q): How did you end up at Texas Wesleyan? 

Ashly Spencer (A): I found out about Wesleyan through my choir director [Weir], and a lot of my friends went here. I really agreed with the education program – it’s one of the best. During orientation, Joe Brown [professor of theatre/speech] helped me a lot.

Q: How did you get involved with the Texas Girls' Choir?

A: My parents didn’t know [about the choir]; I saw a flyer at school and wanted to audition; my parents were shocked. I left the choir in May of 2006, but now I'm on the staff as a student office assistant. The choir became my second family, my second home. We're like a family, it's like [the other members] are your sister. I can tell them anything.

Q: Have you done a lot of traveling with the Girls' Choir?

A: Yes, I've been to 20 countries and several states, including New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, Hungary, Estonia, Thailand, China, and Brazil. I went to Paris and South Africa this summer with the Choir. They're memories to cherish forever.

Q: Why did you decide to major in education, instead of voice?

A: Many girls from the choir do major in voice, and I thought about it, but decided against it. My older sister is a teacher, and I really liked helping the younger girls in the choir.

Q. What Wesleyan groups are you involved with?

A: I'm involved in Student Council, Gamma Phi Beta, Sigma Alpha Iota, Baptist Student Ministry, Wesleyan Singers, Wesleyan Chorale, Student Education Association, and Golden Shears.