Future Alumni Spotlight: Abigail Burris ('20)

Before the world shifted, the Advancement Office had planned to share senior spotlights on some of the faces of the Class of 2020 and what Darlington means to them. These students represent everything Darlington’s faculty and staff work tirelessly for - our future alumni. 

There has never been a better time to feature our seniors - they deserve the spotlight as the spring they so looked forward to has shifted. This series will feature several Darlington seniors who will share their favorite things about Darlington and also how they are adjusting to this new world of distance learning. 

We hope you will enjoy getting to know these seniors better and will make a gift to honor the Class of 2020, who need our support now more than ever. To make a gift to the 2019-2020 Darlington Fund please click here. 

Let’s get to know Abigail Burris (’20), a day student from Cedartown, Georgia. 

How have you met the challenge of distance learning?

I just try to keep everything in perspective and focus on what I can do rather than what I can't! It really helps me to make a schedule and a plan so that I can continue to stay on top of everything.

What’s your favorite song?

“Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar!

What’s your favorite thing served in the dining hall?

The mac n cheese!

What house are you in?

I am a day leader in Regester House and serve as President of the Community Service Team and Vice President of the Wildlife Appreciation Club.

What are you involved in at Darlington (clubs, etc.)?

Theatre, Model UN, Spanish Club, French Club, Global Studies Program

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

The Zelle Patio! I love the ability to hang around outdoors and see all of the beauty on campus!

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Ms. Daniel - she is such an amazing role model and really pushed me to go outside my comfort zone while offering me a brick wall of support.

If you are involved in fine arts what is your favorite role and why?

I love being involved in Stagecraft and getting the opportunity to build and design sets! It is an awesome way to use your creativity to create a physical, structured product that gets to come to life on opening night. I'll actually be pursuing a BFA in Scenic Design in college!

Where do you want to go to college and what do you want to do?

I am attending Texas Christian University as a Chancellor's Scholar and am pursuing a BFA in Scenic Design.

If you could name the two new swans what would you name them?

Phineas and Ferb

If you were given $10,000 to donate where would you donate to and why?

The arts department - particularly the theatre! The theatre program at Darlington helped me go outside my comfort zone and discover talents I didn't know I had, all while becoming more in tune with myself! Thanks to this program, I was accepted into some of the top design schools in the country with scholarships to pursue theatre (scenic design) as a career - this program is gold!

We have 1,500 donors who give to Darlington every year sure you have a great experience - in 10 words or less how would you thank them?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to dream big!

What is your favorite thing about Darlington and why is that important to you?

I love Darlington's community. I know that we say that over and over again, but it truly is a place that turns friends into family and teachers into mentors. Some of my best memories have happened as part of the Darlington Community, and I am forever thankful for that!