Scholarship allows CSE student to minor in music

Growing up in Apple Valley, Minn., Jack Hessburg had two main hobbies: taking apart computers and playing the saxophone.

Now in his junior year at the University of Minnesota, Jack is combining both interests by studying computer engineering and minoring in music. He also performs in the U of M Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble.

"I think being involved in music is very helpful with abstract thinking in general, and a lot of that helps with math and physics."

- Jack Hessberg

Jack says his music experience has helped him as a student in the College of Science and Engineering.

“I think being involved in music is very helpful with abstract thinking in general, and a lot of that helps with math and physics,” Jack said.

“Also, music is a way to exercise the other side of your brain,” he added. “It’s a release from the stress of CSE.”

In addition to his music involvements, Jack works as a teaching assistant for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to help pay for his college expenses. He also received support from the Robert F. Hartmann Scholarship, which he says tipped the scales for him to be able to attend the U of M.

“Without the scholarship, I would probably be going to a much cheaper and not as prestigious school,” Jack said. “It has also allowed me to have so many awesome opportunities, like music.”

After graduating, Jack wants to be involved in hardware design for computers. As of now, he has no plans to integrate his saxophone playing into his career. “It’s just been nice being able to stay with my passion this long,” Jack said.

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