Keeping Things in Tune on Campus
At first glance, sophomore Emma Cunningham looks like any other college student, rushing between classes with her backpack on her shoulder, cell phone in tow and perhaps a stack of sheet music in a binder. But by her side, always alert, is her loyal service dog, Totem — a golden retriever trained to detect dangerous shifts in her blood sugar, due to Type 1 diabetes.
It was an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Musicale event that introduced Cunningham to the Jessup campus when she was still in high school. The event brings students from all over the West Coast for a two-day choral festival. Throughout high school, Cunningham contemplated whether she would pursue music or nursing in college. She considered universities that offered both majors, which kept Jessup in the running.
By her senior year of high school, she decided music would be her major. “I’ve always loved music and was basically born into it,” she said. “My mom was a music teacher, so I was exposed to lots of music throughout my life. Pursuing music in college just feels like a natural fit.” Participating in choir and band throughout elementary, middle and high school, Cunningham sang soprano in choir and played alto, tenor and baritone saxophone in band. Much of her time was spent in honor band activities or rehearsing for and attending choral conferences representing Victory Christian Academy in Santa Rosa, California.
For Cunningham, music is more than a passion; it’s her calling. With plans to follow in her mom’s footsteps and become a music teacher, she looks forward to the opportunity. “I want to show other students that it’s possible to pursue your dreams,” she said. “I would hope that when my students see me with my dog, they would realize that having diabetes doesn’t stop you.”
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 11 years old, Cunningham has lived an active life. “Getting a dog was something that made my disability not so bad,” she said. It was her middle school basketball coach who had the same disability and introduced her to his service dog Moe. She learned about the organization Dogs4Diabetics and the rest is history. “I’ve had Totem for seven years now and he’s made my life so much better.” Even when Cunningham played sports during her time at Victory Christian, from the sidelines of the volleyball, basketball or tennis courts, Totem was there, actively keeping his best friend safe.
Now at Jessup, Totem is beloved by many students. “He’s well-loved on campus,” she said. “Oftentimes, students get to know him before they get to know me!” Right by her side 24×7, Totem attends class, sits quietly in the Crossroads Cafe, lives in the residence halls and attends STUNT competitions. He’s been with Jessup Music to George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch twice and goes on Fall and Spring Tour with the University Choir and Orchestra (UCO).
Cunningham also has an integral role as a section leader in UCO, where she is lead soprano helping with pitch and intonation. She also sings as a member of one of Jessup’s chapel worship bands. In addition, she will be performing in Jessup Music’s upcoming Night of Classics concert later this month.
It’s no secret that Totem is an essential part of Cunningham’s life. “Since I’ve had him, I’ve never fainted.” Trained to alert her, Totem can smell if her insulin level is getting too high or low, especially if she is standing for long periods of time. “He gets my attention by locking eyes with me or he takes the strap he has around his collar and puts it in his mouth,” she said. “It usually happens at least once a day.”
Enrolling at Jessup has been a life changing decision for Cunningham. “Everyone here has been so accommodating,” she said. “The sense of community is amazing and it has made it easier for me to attend college. I truly feel like the Jessup community gives me the resources and support I need.”
Next semester, Cunningham’s roommate will also have a service dog. “I’m looking forward to it because we already have so much in common,” she said. “It will be a good way for us to bond more and the dogs can also benefit by being around each other.”
Recognizing that her musical talent and Totem’s unwavering support are gifts from God, Cunningham is successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities of college life. With each note she sings, she is a testament to perseverance, faith and the incredible bond between a service dog and its handler.
