Where Are They Now?: Elena Worton
Parting is always such sweet sorrow when saying goodbye to fellow Blue Hawk members (cue a singular tear). Graduation is so highly anticipated, yet it finds a way to appear at the most unexpected time. Despite the wildness that cap and gown season brings, it still finds a way to give Blue Hawk so much joy, as we’re able to watch the alumni expand their horizons as they tackle the post-college, “big-kid world”.
I’m starting this series to not only pay homage to our incredible old friends, but to show everyone that maybe life after college isn’t terrifying at all. I think it’s safe to say that when one chapter closes, the next one opening can be a little scary if you don’t know what’s next. But maybe, just maybe, it’s actually going to be something incredible. And who’s better to help prove this than some of our Blue Hawk Records family?
And I’m sure my underclassmen friends feel that this is eons away. The Business of Music of course is still fresh in your mind, I’m sure. Regardless, whether it's getting a good laugh, learning something new, or you’re trying to get to know Blue Hawk Records a bit better, I hope that this resonates with you.
Elena worton
Maybe I’m a little biased to start this series off with the Elena Worton. Her and I do go way back, all the way back to the days of Zoom classes, rehearsals, and replacing album release shows with Instagram live streams. When she graduated this past fall semester with a degree in Music Industry, I realized just how horrible my attachment issues truly are.
I met Elena online our freshman year, in which she portrayed Julia (the lead!) in the MU Player’s Zoom production of The Wedding Singer. It wasn’t until our sophomore year that I truly got to know this shining star, and like many others, was mesmerized by her voice. She continued to share her talents with everyone as she established a strong presence with Blue Hawk Records.
“My Blue Hawk Records experience was amazing,” said the alum. “I was included as a songwriter on two compilations (twenty and Queen of Hearts), and I spent two semesters hosting Blue Hawk Talk on WMCX during my time in the Record Label Strategies class. BHR hosted so many amazing [events] during my time at Monmouth, and it was always so much fun being involved in any way possible!”
I asked Elena- what is to me- a burning question. What was she most excited about after graduation? By that, I meant, is there anything to be excited about? Or will I be just as scared of being unemployed and living with my parents forever? (Love you Mom and Dad, but I’m sure you’ll want me out eventually...)
But Elena kept it simple, and for the millionth time in my life I realized how much of an overthinker I truly am. “Freedom,” she said. Let me unpack that for a moment. Life without classes. Without homework. Without that math assignment. Without that eight page paper I totally forgot about and am now writing it in one night. Maybe, just maybe, post-college life has its upsides.
When I asked Elena what she had been up to, I learned that she’s found a great balance between relaxation while also working the days away. “Since graduating, I’ve been taking a lot of time to rest,” she said. While she rests, she still has put the time and energy into seeking job opportunities as well.
While she scours the job field, Elena is currently playing keys and sings backup in The Well Wish, a local band. She is also in rehearsals for Phoenix Productions 35th Anniversary Celebration/Basie Winter Gala performance of Jesus Christ Superstar.
But no, all that work? That's not impressive enough. The real kicker? Elena recently worked as an extra in the recent Mean Girls movie.
Let me be honest here, while Elena is an astounding talent, it’s her heart of gold and gracious character that also allows her to stand out from the rest. I was fortunate enough to see Mean Girls on opening night with a few friends, and was even more fortunate to learn that I was in the same theater as Elena.
I knew Elena had been in the movie. Of course she would be, she’s a star! What I did not know is that the iconic Reneé Rapp walks up to her in a scene and touches her. If Reneé Rapp happened to look in my direction, you can bet that I’d be screaming it from the highest of mountains. I shot myself down the aisle to Elena’s seat as the credits began rolling, threw my arms into hers and applauded not only her spectacular performance and cameos, but also her way of being so amazingly gracious of the gig that she had booked.
It’s safe to say Elena’s accomplished a great deal. It’s almost overwhelming. But I think she’s doing it right — finding ways to let her musical juices keep flowing, and simultaneously being an absolute girl-boss that’s taking on job hunting. And, most importantly, she’s allowing herself the time to rest and enjoy the freedom that’s now before her.
“Enjoy every second,” Elena said as I asked for any wisdom she cared to impart on us. “Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to share your creativity.”
I think it’s more than fair to say that we are incredibly proud to call Elena a part of our Blue Hawk Records family, and we are on the edge of our seats to see what lies ahead of her.
“BHR has taught me so much and has helped me develop as someone who is interested in working in music [and] entertainment,” she said. “ It means so much to me that I was a part of such a unique program.”
Throughout the course of her Monmouth career, Elena was consistently giving Blue Hawk Records her all and never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face. She is still leading with such poise and positivity in the months after her graduation, and personally, I can’t wait for her to visit us soon (Come home we miss you!!!!!!).
Written by Sam Jordan.
Learn more about Elena and what she is up to: