I have my life pretty much figured out. I’m majoring in Music Education; my primary instrument is voice. I have my degree path pretty much figured out; I’ll student teach in my senior year (hopefully at the elementary level) and graduate with a minor in Theatre, where I will not only have done at least one show every calendar year, but I will have taken through Acting II and Directing, and maybe some dance classes. I have my life figured out.

I want to teach at the elementary level because stress really isn’t a factor in my would-be students’ lives yet. They are free to just enjoy the music instead of stressing over being good at it. I can teach them that music is something to love and to cherish, and something to never let go of.

I will create better job security for those teaching at higher levels. I will inspire children to stick with music. If I can get even one student to stay in chorus or band when music first becomes a choice, I will have done my job as a human being. I have my life figured out.

Music, to me, is a healer. On a bad day, it’s there to pick you up off the ground, and it’s there to keep you in check on your best days. It is hard work, no matter your instrument, but as a vocalist, I am lucky enough for it to always be with me – there is no escaping this wonderful thing called music.

Whether I have a class of kindergarteners or fourth graders, I can show them how wonderful music is. I will show them how great music is, how magical it is. Whether I teach elementary school general music or high school choir, I know that music will be there. I have my life figured out.

I see myself settling down in a smallish town close enough to a big city to get away every so often. Maybe I’ll marry, maybe I won’t. I’ll have cats, an upright piano, and plenty of room for my music books. I’ll do community theatre – directing and acting, maybe even music direction.

Maybe someday I’ll finally play the Narrator in Joseph, or Mrs. Potts, or I’ll get to play someone from Come From Away. I know that theatre will be a part of my life, I’ll make sure of it. I might not be rich, but I’ll be happy, and that’s what matters to me. I’ll be happy in the life I have made for myself. I have my life figured out.

To those who don’t quite know what they’re doing – it’s okay. You don’t need to know what you want to do with your life, you don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need to know your college major, or even what field you’re interested in! Music is something I’m passionate about, so that is what I’m leading with.

My passion for music (and theatre) has lead me to this path. I have my life figured out. But that doesn’t make me better than anyone else. We all have times of struggle, times where we’re unsure of what’s to come. Whether you’re a college student, high school senior, or 35, it’s never too late to go looking for a passion. You’ll find it. It’s out there. I know it.