Noelle Buller started playing the violin when she was just five years old and has continued to play all through college. This passion is what drove her to come to Midland where she is a violinist and involved in theatre productions.
Noelle graduated from one of the largest and most diverse high schools in the state, Omaha Central High School, where she was on the academic decathlon team, swim team, and student body leadership. Over the summers she was on the swim and dive team, helped coach swim teams, nannied, and was a lifeguard.
Like many other 16-year olds, the idea of college was scary and brought uncertainty. So if given the opportunity to go back in time and give herself a piece of advice, she’d say: “RELAX! You are going to be OK. College is not how you are expecting it to be at all, and that is OK! God has got a bigger plan for you. Just trust Him!”
I was raised in a Christian home and still value my faith, as college has taught me to take personal ownership of my relationship with the Lord.”
It’s that relationship with God that has helped Noelle stay sturdy while she balances everything she is involved in at Midland. She currently works in the athletic department as a work-study, does a lot of volunteer work in the theater, is involved in Circle K (student-led service organization), and is a member of Professional Business Leaders (PBL).
“Something I have been proud of is seeing the rewards of my hard work and dedication. I have received many high compliments from professors and other staff members that have encouraged me to keep working hard and keep a positive reputation.”
Noelle will graduate in May (a year early) and hopes to use what she’s learned both through her courses and her volunteering to work for a local nonprofit in the Omaha/Lincoln area. Someday, she hopes to help run a symphony orchestra or do shows contracting for a theater and bring in national tours.
As her time at Midland comes to a close, Noelle leaves incoming freshmen with one piece of advice, “Stop pretending to have it all together. We have all been freshmen, and we know that you face so many new and odd things all at once, and it is overwhelming. It can be hard to not to try and save face, but there is value in admitting a need for downtime or help.”
Being a Warrior means being an advocate for yourself and those around you, being an active member of the community, and engaging with other Warriors to make a stronger student body. It is no secret that is something Noelle has lived by throughout her time at Midland and no doubt will continue to do so long after she graduates.
Noelle Buller is a senior Arts Management major from Omaha, NE. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
