Through immersive academics, meaningful mentorship, and wide-ranging experiences on and off campus, Ainsley Green ’27 has transformed her curiosity into confidence—growing as a scholar, leader, and creative thinker ready to make an impact beyond Gettysburg.
For Ainsley Green ’27, choosing Gettysburg College was about finding a place where she could grow, explore, and build a future that combined her many interests.
Living just an hour and a half from campus in Damascus, Maryland, Green was impressed by the caring community she encountered during her first Admissions tour, a feeling that only grew when she attended Get Acquainted Day during her senior year of high school.
“I was really impressed with how enthusiastic everyone was,” she recalled. “Seeing students leading organizations and talking about what they loved made me excited to jump in and do the same.”
Once she arrived as a student, Green was eager to explore the broad-based nature of the liberal arts and sciences curriculum, taking courses in Spanish, environmental studies, and psychology in her first year. Today, she’s a double major in music and English with a writing concentration, a combination that reflects her dual passions for storytelling and performance.
Early coursework, including a poetry seminar and creative writing class, affirmed her love of literature, and the challenge of analyzing and interpreting complex texts honed her critical thinking and communication skills.
While she pursued English immediately as a college student, music was a slower build. She started taking piano lessons with Music Prof. Jocelyn Swigger, who pushed Green out of her comfort zone and encouraged her to try new things. Green attended performances at the Majestic Theater and Paul Recital Hall as well, relishing in the availability of so many opportunities to see and listen to the arts.
“Gettysburg has given me the tools to keep exploring—and the confidence to lead.”
– Ainsley Green ’27
Initially declaring as a music minor in her first year, Green’s music involvement grew into the pursuit of a degree. So, too, did her confidence as a musician under the mentorship of the dedicated faculty from Gettysburg’s Sunderman Conservatory of Music. She performs in multiple ensembles from the Wind Symphony to the Bullets Marching Band and serves as president of the international music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, which connects Green with fellow students with a passion for music and service.
“I love the problem-solving and analytical side of music,” Green said. “It’s helped me in other disciplines too. Learning how to honor what’s on the page and do my best interpretation has shaped how I approach challenges.”
Her development of knowledge and skills in the classroom has helped Green make an impact across Gettysburg. She is a staff writer for the arts and entertainment section of the campus newspaper, The Gettysburgian, where she combines her writing skills with her love of the arts. She’s also worked as a writing intern in the Office of Communications and Marketing, served as an Orientation Leader, supported Alumni Reunion Weekend, and works at Musselman Library—an experience that sparked an interest in library science as a potential career path.
Green’s Gettysburg experience has also been shaped by the Guided Pathways, where she’s part of the Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Pathway. The program’s reflective approach has helped her make meaningful connections between her classes, activities, and career goals, while additional support from Co-Curricular Advisor Cara Smith has provided guidance and structure.
“It’s helped me think about how everything I do—leadership, employment, travel—builds on itself,” Green explained.
This past summer, she expanded those experiences abroad through a five-week study program in Bath, England, a trip recommended to her by English Prof. Jack Ryan. Immersing herself in British literature and culture deepened her academic interests and gave her new perspectives on independence and exploration.
Looking ahead, Ainsley envisions a future in higher education, potentially in teaching, admissions, or library science. While the path isn’t fully defined yet, she’s confident that the skills and experiences she’s gained already will serve her well.
“I know I’m going to love these things forever,” she said. “Gettysburg has given me the tools to keep exploring—and the confidence to lead.”
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By Corey Jewart Photos by Sofia Gutierrez ’26, Ainsley Green ’27
Posted: 10/10/25