Everyone has a person that comes to mind when asked which mentor in life inspired them to choose a path. For many, that person is an actual teacher paid in their field as a professional. For others, inspiration stems from a family member or even a friend. One day, something that person said or did just made sense or made you realize what you were supposed to be doing (or at least what you felt was just right). I still have a long way before I truly know what I am meant to do and who I am supposed to be, but the teachers in my life have encouraged me to take those crucial first steps and see where my heart leads me.
1. Take every chance you can get to learn about anything you can.
My sister and I (five and a half years apart) were enrolled in dance classes at Dancy's School of Dance up until we each respectively entered middle school. My sister definitely knew she didn't want to go on to be a ballerina, but I was excited as I could be every time class and dance recitals came around. In fact, I was a complete diva back then. Although I didn't end up choosing dance, either, I still have some of the best memories of my life from those six years at Dancy's studio. My mother used to be a dance instructor but she chose to go to nursing school around the time that I was born. So, opportunities to learn can be exciting and ultimately worth while. If you can, take a yoga class, read a book, or just listen to someone else's stories. A lot of lessons in life are free.
2. Try to work in a place and profession that you love.
Strive to surround yourself only with people and places that make you happy, or at least those that don't upset you. Work is still work I guess, but who feels like they're working when they are in their calling? If you can be as excited as you were about every knew thing as a kid when you are at your job, you are one of the luckiest people in the world. For me, my band directors and lesson teachers helped me find out that, when I can create something meaningful in the way I play music then I am happiest.
3. Make as many connections as possible.
Sometimes human interaction can be painful to say the least, and I think that statement stands for anyone on some days. It rings especially true for someone who, no matter how much I love my friends and family, would rather stay at home with my dog on the weekend instead of making professional social connections that will ultimately help me as a legitimate "adult." Not only are there benefits for potential future employment recommendations, but it is a valuable investment of time to just go to functions and meet other people that share similar interests.
4. Don't try to be someone you are not.
Also, don't try to be interested in things if you aren't. Every great teacher I've ever known has assured me that I don't have to conform to be successful. Chances are, someone is going to dislike me and the things that I do, so I might as well do my best to carry on as if I'm not afraid to be myself. No matter how hard of a pill it is to swallow, you literally cannot please every person you meet. That means that striving for perfection is an invalid way of going about life. Everyone from my high school band director to my grandmother has told me at one point that I should improve upon myself and become a better me. There is also a certain Salvador Dali quote that I think applies.
5. Don't give up just because your dreams are taking longer than expected. It is OKAY to change your mind.
Everyone is under the impression that if you take more than the four years to graduate, then you are doing something wrong. I was worried that my lack of prerequisites for music theory in high school would ruin my chances, but in the long run, staying around an extra semester or two is not going to kill me.It is also completely normal for college students to change their majors several times before they know what they want. Likewise, my teachers have taught me that it's possible to achieve a goal, even with a disadvantage.
