Randi Gabbert's dream is to become a music therapist––a profession she hopes will continue to grow and impact the lives of others living with cerebral palsy.
For many, like Gabbert, music therapy can be a holistic approach to trauma recovery. Diagnosed at 12 months old, she can attest to its healing powers. Christian music helped her cope with grueling surgeries to straighten her legs when she was younger.
"Listening to music was a big part of my recovery," she said. "It provided me with an outlet and brought my spirits up. My goal is to be a music therapist mainly because I didn't have that when I was recovering from surgery, so I want to be able to offer an alternative form of therapy to other children with cerebral palsy or anyone recovering from surgery."
Gabbert will soon get that chance as she is set to graduate in December with a bachelor's degree in music education from UNC Pembroke. She plans to pursue an advanced degree in music therapy.
Music is deeply rooted in the Gabbert household. Her father, Randy Gabbert, has been strumming a guitar and bass in a country-rock band since she was three. As she got older, Randi became a regular at his gigs, singing from the audience until one day, her father encouraged her to join the band on stage.
Today, Gabbert sings with the band and is a fan favorite. Stage fright is the least of the barriers she has overcome in life. Born three months premature, Randi weighed less than two pounds at birth. She spent the first three months of her life in the hospital and suffered brain development problems that caused cerebral palsy.
But Randi is a survivor. She refuses to be defined by her diagnosis. Her passion for music drew her to the music program at UNCP, where she is skilled in piano, flute and saxophone. She also lends her vocal talents to the University Chorale under the direction of Dr. José Rivera.
Rivera said it's been a pleasure watching Randi grow, achieve her goals, and excel academically.
"I still remember her excitement, passion and pure joy of becoming a music major when she first enrolled at UNCP," Rivera said. "Randi is bright, responsible, and a hard-working student who carries her load with a smile. I have truly enjoyed having her sing in the University Chorale.
"She reminds me that being positive and grateful for our opportunities in life is a personal choice, yet she also reminds us that we can overcome any obstacles through determination, perseverance and keeping the focus on what is possible."
Gabbert immersed herself in college life throughout her time at UNCP, serving as a residence advisor for Oak Hall and is involved with Echo, a student-led campus ministry. She has also formed lasting bonds with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff.
"Randi's story is one of perseverance," said Megan Hammonds, a CAPS counselor. "Even before she got to UNCP, she experienced a setback because some of her college credits didn't transfer, but she pushed through it.
"Sometimes we are so easily discouraged, but Randi kept pushing toward her goals, encouraging others along the way,” said Hammonds.
