ERIN ANSFIELD, 2001-2002

Home: Oshkosh, WI

Current occupation: Graduate student at Purdue obtaining a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership, and working as a graduate administrative professional in the Student Activities and Organizations office on campus.

Hobbies/passions that I enjoy: All types of sporting events and I travel to as many as I can during the year. I still love twirling and dancing as well.

Still involved in twirling? I have organized a competition team made up of the Purdue Twirlers and we will be traveling and competing across the country. I also teach baton and dance to children in Lafayette and at a studio in Oshkosh when I am at home. I am also currently working towards my NBTA judge's license and am still very involved in competitive twirling.

What made/makes the Golden Girl position so special: The Golden Girl position is not a role that a twirler plays; it is a position of leadership in the band and a symbol of Purdue University. It is so special because each girl is to bring her own talents, experiences, and style and showcase them on a very large stage. Being a part of the "All-American" Marching Band is important, but as the Golden Girl I was able to represent all of the members throughout the year. I was the first thing the audience saw when we took the field or marched down the street, which was both an honor and an achievement. It is a special feeling to take the field and to hear your name announced as the Golden Girl, and I will always be grateful for the chance to say I was a part of Purdue history in that way.

How being Golden Girl has shaped/impacted my life beyond Purdue: Since I have recently graduated and have chosen to continue my education, I don't think that I have fully seen the impact of my years at Purdue. I have used my position as a twirler to reach out to young children and teach them not just about baton twirling, but about the importance of being involved, teamwork, goal setting and attitude. Twirling is a large part of my resume, as is involvement in the Purdue Band, and because of the past four years I have much to offer an employer. It is very difficult to find someone who is not intrigued or even impressed by my involvement and accomplishments as an individual. I know that will continue into the future and I will really be able to use the connections that I have made and the experiences I have had to my advantage when the time comes.

Favorite memories from being Golden Girl: Taking the field for the pre-game show has always been my favorite part of the game day experience, but I could never have imagined how much more exciting it was to enter the stadium at the Golden Girl. Being in the center of the stadium when the music starts and leading the band down the field gave me goose bumps every single time.

I am most proud of my contributions to the Band Ambassadors program and all of the schools I was able to visit during my year. The program began when I was Golden Girl and has grown into a very strong and important part of the department. I love the opportunity to travel and speak to students about everything I have experienced and to encourage them to be involved as well.

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