To the untrained eye, Reagan Boomershine may look like a typical college student, but inside her voice and heart lies something just waiting to sing out.

“[Reagan] would definitely be like South Dakota,” sophomore Rebekah McNay said.  “Because you’re like, ‘Who would go there?’ and then you find out, ‘Oh, what a beautiful place!’”

When Boomershine, sophomore, was barely in her teen years, she discovered her singing voice.  Since then, she has pursued her undeniable talent and passion for music.

In high school, Boomershine took voice lessons.

“[My voice teacher] helped me to be more comfortable as a performer,” Boomershine said.  “A lot of it was helping me stage presence-wise.”

Boomershine competed.  Her first competition was Voice of Choice.

 “It was kind of like American Idol,” said Boomershine, who won it two years in a row.

As her voice continued to mature and she excelled in competitions, Boomershine hoped she would do well enough to steer clear of college.

“I really didn’t want to go to school, so I was doing all the competitions I could,” Boomershine said.

The summer after her senior year of high school, Boomershine traveled to Colorado for a competition called Music in the Rockies.  It was this competition that “leads to the rest of my life,” Boomershine said.

“I was the highest score that didn’t get into the top finalists,” Boomershine said.  “I was ticked, and didn’t know why God brought me there.”

But she didn’t give up.  Boomershine decided to take advantage of the workshops offered to the contestants, and met with David Bunker.  Bunker is known as a “middle man” who helps artists connect with writers and producers.

But during the time when Boomershine was scheduled to meet with him, Boomershine forgot her mix tape.  She didn’t let that stop her, however, and so she chose to use the time and sing for him in person.

Bunker was so impressed he gave her an e-mail address to get in touch with Dave Mullen, a Christian producer and songwriter.

Back at home, Boomershine’s parents insisted she go to college.  This led her to Cornerstone.  She didn’t like it initially, but sees now that it was a vital part of her growth.

“My parents forced me to come, but I choose to stay,” Boomershine said.

 “[In high school] I was a good girl, but my heart wasn’t for Jesus,” Boomershine said.  “I came to [Cornerstone] and had to learn to have faith … I was challenged to love God.”

Over the course of her first semester, Boomershine developed strong relationships with the women in her section.  These women have provided a great support group for her which Boomershine said has been one of the most encouraging aspects of Cornerstone.

“Having God-centered relationships is a big difference,” she said.

In January, Boomershine traveled to Nashville, Tenn. to meet with producer Dave Mullen.  Mullen, who has worked with artists such as Nicole C. Mullen, Joy Williams and Jaci Valesquez, agreed to work with Boomershine on producing and writing for her first album. 

“God absolutely worked through every detail of it,” she said.  “If I hadn’t gone to Cornerstone and gotten faith in the first place, it would have never gone that way,” she said.  “I had to lose those other competitions and go to Cornerstone and then go to Nashville, otherwise I wouldn’t have been ready.”

Once back at school, Boomershine auditioned for the musical “Little Women” and was cast in the lead role, despite the fact that she had no previous theater experience at Cornerstone.

“This role was about proving myself,” Boomershine said, “and I wanted to prove myself legitimate.”

Just like her character Jo in “Little Women,” Boomershine believes she’s meant to do something with her life.  She has a deep passion for leading worship with her peers.  This year, Boomershine has been given the opportunity to lead a chapel worship team. 

Even though she isn’t completely sure of what the future holds for her, she knows it will involve music.

“I desire to bring people to the Lord,” said Boomershine.  “And I think that since God has gifted me in music and given everyone else the gift of emotion and love for music, then I should be bringing something to the table.”