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The Sweetest Sound

Whether or not they choose to admit it, many University students take Joe Raposo's advice to heart.

In the shower or in the car, there's something catchy about singing -- and it's about more than just the song.

Fourth-year Commerce student Saboora Bhutta sings all the time -- despite her self-proclaimed lack of talent.

"I've always liked singing in the shower," Bhutta said. "My family always made fun of me when I was younger."

But a little teasing didn't stop Bhutta, and it wasn't until she came to the University that her shower songs ceased.

"When I came to college, I kind of stopped [singing] because of communal showers," she said with a laugh. "I didn't want to be that weird first-year girl who sounded really bad and scared people off."

Third-year College student Jennifer Lawrence didn't let a little publicity get in the way of her singing. In fact, Lawrence said she sang in her first year dorm, Fitzhugh, all the time.

"I never knew anyone heard me," Lawrence said. "And then one day, someone came out of their room and said 'Jennifer, I'm trying to sleep!'"

Now, a resident of Sterling apartments, Lawrence said she has her own space and sings to her heart's delight.

"I don't think anyone can hear me because I have my own bathroom," she said.

Besides her bathroom beats, Lawrence said she used to be a member of Black Voices but is taking the semester off.

Fourth-year Education student Katie Hein said she saves her singing for the car.

"I don't sing in the shower because I need a radio to sing along to and there's no radio in the bathroom," Hein said. "I don't know enough words offhand to sing spontaneously without a radio."

In the car, on the other hand, Hein loves to let loose.

"When I'm by myself, I roll down the windows and belt out the words of my favorite song," she said. "This is my form of de-stressing. I feel free, relaxed and fun-loving."

Lawrence agreed with Hein.

Singing in the car "helps clear my mind," Lawrence said. "And some song lyrics give me inspiration in my life."

Besides passing the time, Lawrence said singing helps her stay awake on long car trips."I sing the whole way," she said. "I'm hoarse when the trip's over."

For second-year College student Andrew Guidarelli, singing in the car is more about making other people laugh.

"Usually, I only sing along when other people are driving past," Guidarelli said. "The idea is to make other people happy. Plus, they don't tailgate when I'm acting weird. It's much better than pulling out a gun or middle finger."

According to Bhutta, Guidarelli's logic isn't too far-fetched.

"I like seeing other people singing in the car when I'm at a stoplight," Bhutta said. "It makes me happy because they can have fun and appreciate the joys of singing along -- even though they might not sound good."

When it comes to shower songs, however, Guidarelli said he sings for himself.

"It makes me happy," he said. "And I think it's funny."

Although Guidarelli also said his singing is "terrible," he doesn't think his Lambeth suitemates care because "they haven't complained yet."

Fourth-year College student Josh Jones admitted to singing in the shower too.

"I sing the latest Pharell hit," he said with a grin. "It makes me laugh and I feel ridiculous."

Jones said he also sings "really loud" in the car.

Third-year College student Chris DeSimone said he usually sings Bruce Springsteen in the car.

Although DeSimone said his voice isn't too great, his friends don't seem to mind.

"I'm just big into music," DeSimone said. "And people get a kick out of my Bruce Springsteen."

Bhutta, on the other hand, said she's not too particular when it comes to her solo songs.

"I'll sing pretty much anything," she said. "But usually I'll just repeat chorus lines of songs that are stuck in my head."

Wherever, whenever and whatever you sing when you're alone, don't be afraid to let it all out. And in the words of Raposo:

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