Oscar Peterson-Veatch
Graduation year: 2022
High school: Goshen High School
Hometown: Goshen, Ind.
Majors: Physics; music
Minor: Jazz studies
Activities: Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Physics and Engineering Society, Sigma Pi Sigma honor society, Reading/Writing Center tutor, National Band Association, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Symphonic Band, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Percussion Ensemble, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Jazz Ensemble, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Jazz Combo, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Symphonic Orchestra
Internships: Digital resource curator for Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Reading/Writing Center; nuclear physics research with Dr. Nathan Frank and the MoNA Collaboration
Post-grad plans: I will be Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, then volunteering internationally through a work-away program. While volunteering, I will be submitting my applications for several master's and Ph.D. programs in acoustics.
Why Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?
I chose Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø because of the way I was encouraged to double major and pursue any and all of my interests. It was a really attractive quality that I was not only able but also encouraged to diversify my studies.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I am sort of where I thought I would be. But I could not possibly have predicted any of the experiences that I would have while attending Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.
When I came here, I knew that I wanted to double major in music and physics and pursue education afterward. That is where I am at now, with the small exception that visiting other countries has become my top priority first.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I have a long list of people who helped me. Every one of the professors in both the physics and music departments have been amazing. The professors in the Reading/Writing Center were also hugely supportive, and I am so grateful for the chance to have worked with them.
In general, all of the professors I have had the fortune to get to know were supportive and interested in doing everything they could to help me succeed.
The friends that I made in Physics Club, working as a RWC tutor, playing in almost every ensemble, and taking classes in the music and physics department are all great people, and I cannot thank them enough for all the times they supported me.
Peak experience?
My peak experience was traveling to California with the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Symphonic Band. It was an absolute blast, and I had so much fun performing music with that fantastic ensemble. The chance to bond more closely with all the other members was such a unique opportunity for which I am so grateful.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by the astonishing amount of work ethic I saw in all of my fellow students. It consistently surprised me how involved every single member of the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø community seems to be.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss having the opportunity to perform in all of the fantastic ensembles at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. Performing with all of those musicians has been such a fantastic experience, and I know I will not be able to find the same thing anywhere else.
Advice for the Class of 2026?
I will give the advice that my parents gave me. There are two reasons that people do not succeed in college. One, they have too much of a social life. Two, they don¡¯t have enough of a social life. The most important key to succeed is to find that balance for yourself.
"Oscar has accomplished so much! He has contributed to our department in many ways: leading APES (Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Physics and Engineering Society); helping develop and organize our new mentoring program; working to increase diversity, hospitality and retention among incoming students; doing nuclear physics research; and all the time motivating and encouraging other students to get involved as well! Oscar also has been very involved in so many things outside our department: music major, music performance, student-life activities and so much more. He has made the most of his years at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø!"