Yearlong Audition
Kate Rancka opts for privacy instead of a runny nose
Mechelle Hankerson
Executive Editor
While some of her peers are fighting off their first round of seasonal colds brought on by living in close quarters in VCU’s freshman dorms, voice major Kate Rancka is feeling lucky she’s still living at home—without a sore throat.
“The perks of staying home outweigh living here,” Rancka said. “I need my own space.”
Rancka, who lives about 20 minutes away in Midlothian, made the decision to commute to save money. Her parents gave her an ultimatum: they could pay the approximate $8,000 it costs to live in VCU’s freshman dorms for a year or Rancka could choose to put that money toward a new car.
Rancka chose the car.
“For me personally, I’m just a very private person. I like being alone and I don’t know how I would do with a roommate,” Rancka said.
Rancka said her afternoon commutes are usually easy and don’t take too much time. The mornings, though, can be unpredictable. Last week, she got caught in the traffic resulting from a six-car accident.
When she has to make it to campus for her 8 a.m. class, it takes Rancka about 20 minutes. On days when she leaves later for her 9 a.m. class, she said it can take up to 45 minutes.
“Already being down here in the morning would be nice,” Rancka said, “Honestly it’s super hectic and it’s not the best way to start your morning.”
The traffic, although a common obstacle commuter students have to face, isn’t the only adjustment Rancka has had to make. On campus, Rancka takes private voice lessons, attends her voice classes and participates in Commonwealth Singers and Women’s Choir on campus. In addition to her coursework, she also works at the library.
At home, she is working on a music project with her friend Jessie Dunnavant, who attends JMU. The two plan on releasing an album of original songs in March. Rancka also has kept her job at her church.
Rancka has been singing and taking private voice lessons since she was a child. One of the places where she took lessons was VCU’s Singleton Center, where she now takes her college voice classes. She’s been involved with Richmond-area performing arts groups through high school as well.
“Being a commuter, you still have half of your old life,” Rancka said. “It’s not like you came to college and you have a completely new schedule.”
“It almost feels like it wasn’t a big switch for me between high school and college.”
Rancka doesn’t have any plans of moving closer to campus, but said it could be an option next semester.
