Life is so exciting! I have so many great things coming up in my near future that I am too excited to sleep! (Literally.) And every time I think that I am so blessed that life can't get any better, it always does, and more great things appear. This is not a bragging post. I am simply counting my blessings.
For one, I just graduated from Sandhills Community College with an Associate in Arts degree. Even though I am the fourth child in my family, that technically makes me the first child in my family to graduate with a college degree. (In my oldest brother's defense, he will receive his Bachelor degree at the end of the summer.)
This summer, I have countless job opportunities that really give me an advantage, as far as my resumé and real-life experiences are concerned. I will be continuing my work as a Marketing Manager, but will be able to take on bigger, more important projects this summer, and potentially begin training for a more permanent position that I can continue with after I transfer colleges. I have also been given an opportunity to produce the Summer Theatre Camps with the Moore County Arts Council. I am probably most excited about this opportunity, as it most closely pertains to what I want to do in the future. Summer for most people means a break. But for me, it means a chance to get ahead. So I say, "Bring it on."
At the end of the summer, I will transfer either to UNC Chapel Hill, where I will double major in Vocal Performance and Mathematics, OR to the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, where I will either double major in Vocal Performance and Music Education, or major in Music Industry Studies, with a concentration in Music Business (Marketing and Promotion). I know that sounds a little bit complicated...But trust me when I say that I have performed extensive due diligence on each option and know in great detail what each path entails. Whichever road I end up taking will produce an equally desirable outcome, in my book.
As I have mentioned before, I have a strong, loving family that I absolutely adore. Not just my (two) immediate families, but my extended family as well. Everyone is so supportive of everything, and I will never be able to express my appreciation for all of their belief in me. It is deeply humbling.
On another note, I recently resolved all of my debts, the biggest of which concerned my car. Having spent six months, and almost 300 times that in dollars, paying for my lemon of a Volkswagen, I was finally set free after making my last payment before the beginning of May. Consequently, I have been able to redirect my earnings to my savings account, carefully following a tight budget I outlined for myself just for fun. Because I was not keeping any of the money I was making, I was not aware of how successful, financially, I have actually been this past year. But now, seeing it build, I realize that I am actually well off, and, ahead of budget already, I know I will be in a good place when I head off to college in the fall. The most baffling part of the whole situation is that everywhere I turn, another opportunity falls into my lap, and I am continually rewarded. I don't expect these gifts (as most of my financial rewards are carefully planned and justly earned), and they sort of come out of no where, but I greatly appreciate them, beyond the point of fair expression.
As if all of these practicalities were not enough, God has opened a door for me to something so beautiful. I cannot really explain it, but then...it could not be understood by anyone other than myself anyways. He is sending me in a direction that I am undeserving of, but that I am ready and willing to pursue full on. I will work harder than I ever have before to not fail. If you're confused by what I'm talking about, it ties everything together...I just mean that I am confident that my future is bright. And what I recognize is that it is brighter than I have ever imagined.
Counting your blessings is truly a beautiful practice. I honestly feel like I am the most blessed person in the entire world.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Uh Oh...I think I'm in Trouble
Since yesterday was my last day of school, and I've officially completed all of the requirements for an Associate in Arts degree, I've been thinking about my future regarding school...again.
For the past semester, I've been dead-set on being a music major again, no matter what. Music is my passion, especially performing and singing. And I have been accepted at The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, as a Music Performance major (for Voice), which, evidently, is the most difficult major to be accepted for there.
But I've also been thinking about how little success I've had singing Classical music (other than Choral music), and how much more I enjoy singing the kind of music that 1.) They don't teach you in schools and therefore, 2.) You don't have to go to school for....The only other thing I could get out of going to said School of Music, would be a Music Education degree. Except that I don't exactly plan on being a teacher (just as a fall-back).
Which is what any other degree from any other school would be: a fall-back. So then, it doesn't really matter where I go, or for what, right? So why would I spend 4-5 years in school to get 1-2 two music degrees, therefore starting my career later...when I could spend 2-3 more years getting a different Bachelor degree or two, and graduate on time, therefore starting my career earlier, and leaving even more time for graduate school...? Is that logical? Or is that just my logic? If I don't major in music, I'd still be able to pursue a career in performance (I think), I just couldn't pursue a career in education...which I don't really want to do anyways. I think I'd rather try to land a career for a record company, or a radio station, or an entertainment company, or a film studio, or....something of the sort. Which I could do with any degree.
I'm so lost...ugh. Why do I continue to create these circles to run myself in?
I need guidance, feedback, advice, opinions!
I think I'm just being retarded. I know I will forever regret not majoring in music if I don't. I'm just worried that I might also resent it, for delaying the start of my career, if I do. Which, in 5-10 years will not even matter. And I've learned that lesson before. I guess I'll go ahead and remind myself not to make that same mistake again.
Thanks for the help!
For the past semester, I've been dead-set on being a music major again, no matter what. Music is my passion, especially performing and singing. And I have been accepted at The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, as a Music Performance major (for Voice), which, evidently, is the most difficult major to be accepted for there.
But I've also been thinking about how little success I've had singing Classical music (other than Choral music), and how much more I enjoy singing the kind of music that 1.) They don't teach you in schools and therefore, 2.) You don't have to go to school for....The only other thing I could get out of going to said School of Music, would be a Music Education degree. Except that I don't exactly plan on being a teacher (just as a fall-back).
Which is what any other degree from any other school would be: a fall-back. So then, it doesn't really matter where I go, or for what, right? So why would I spend 4-5 years in school to get 1-2 two music degrees, therefore starting my career later...when I could spend 2-3 more years getting a different Bachelor degree or two, and graduate on time, therefore starting my career earlier, and leaving even more time for graduate school...? Is that logical? Or is that just my logic? If I don't major in music, I'd still be able to pursue a career in performance (I think), I just couldn't pursue a career in education...which I don't really want to do anyways. I think I'd rather try to land a career for a record company, or a radio station, or an entertainment company, or a film studio, or....something of the sort. Which I could do with any degree.
I'm so lost...ugh. Why do I continue to create these circles to run myself in?
I need guidance, feedback, advice, opinions!
I think I'm just being retarded. I know I will forever regret not majoring in music if I don't. I'm just worried that I might also resent it, for delaying the start of my career, if I do. Which, in 5-10 years will not even matter. And I've learned that lesson before. I guess I'll go ahead and remind myself not to make that same mistake again.
Thanks for the help!
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Friday, April 30, 2010
GLEE AUDITION VIDEO
HI EVERYONE!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630
I HAVE AUDITIONED FOR GLEE! IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, PLEASE RATE MY GLEE AUDITION VIDEO, THEN SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630
I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO ALL OF MY TWITTER FOLLOWERS AND MYSPACE AND FACEBOOK FRIENDS WHO HAVE SHOWN SUPPORT AND HELPED ME OUT!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE IT!
YOU CAN HEAR MY AUDITION HERE:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RATE IT AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630
I HAVE AUDITIONED FOR GLEE! IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, PLEASE RATE MY GLEE AUDITION VIDEO, THEN SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630
I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO ALL OF MY TWITTER FOLLOWERS AND MYSPACE AND FACEBOOK FRIENDS WHO HAVE SHOWN SUPPORT AND HELPED ME OUT!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE IT!
YOU CAN HEAR MY AUDITION HERE:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RATE IT AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Family Heirloom
In my nineteen years, I have always been proud of having a large family. Somewhere along my journey thus far, however, I had grown used to the idea of having such extended connections. I recently realized that I somehow have been taking it for granted. I have never forgotten about them, and I take comfort in knowing they are there; the fact is always in the back of my mind, but that's the thing.
While it is impossible to see my whole family at any given time, I share a unique relationship with each family member. I remain on (at least) good terms with everyone in my family. Where this is going, is that it just dawned on me that they are the reason I am as fortunate as I am about where my life is going. They are the reason I have been so successful, so far.
To explain myself a bit more in depth: Being that my family is so large, it can be expected that there is a large variety of personalities and ways of living. (You'd be surprised how very different people who were raised exactly the same way can be!) Because of that, I have been inspired and moulded by the examples and decisions of each person in my family.
My oldest brother, Matt, is to become an Officer in the US Navy upon graduating from NC State this summer. From there, he will attend flight school in Pensicola, FL to begin training for a career as a Naval Flight Officer. He is a highly intelligent, very patient, quiet-yet-fun, novelistic idea of an oldest brother. He is perhaps not very challenged in his education, being too smart for his own good. Either way, he is very respected among others, myself included.
Next in line is Kevin, who could not be more different. He is still trying to find what exactly he wants to do with his life. He is one of those people who is able to become passionate about whatever he is doing, almost to the point of obsession. He is also very talented in many ways I wish I was. Throughout his school years, he had to work a little bit harder for the same effect as those who didn't put forth much effort. Because of that, he has searched for alternative ways to survive in the "real world". Currently passionate about golf, he works as a caddy in Pinehurst. Searching for his next move, he is bracing himself at home, gaining some resistance before taking off again.
Brittney is my older sister, right before me. Like Kevin, she has taken an indefinite break from school, viewing it as a barrier from doing what she really wants to do: become a movie star. She is a successful waitress, happy with her latest boyfriend, and living with her dad. Growing up, she encouraged me to live by my heart, pursue my talents and passions, and not to care what others think about me. She is the sister that is also a best friend. I owe a lot of my confidence to her.
Right below me is my younger brother, Patrick. He is the perfect combination of all of us older kids. He has the brains, the looks, the talent, the swagger...haha. He gets perfect grades without trying, he is practically famous in his school (EVERY girl in his school wants to date him), and he is recognized by respected musicians around the town for being a proficient guitarist. He also dabbles in singing and songwriting. His dream is to go to Berklee College of Music and become the next John Mayer.
Michael is a red-headed leprechaun of a little brother, trying to figure out how to make the smoothest transition from elementary to middle school. He makes being cool an academic subject, studying the "textbook" of popularity. Largely misunderstood (being the youngest child in one house), he remains my best friend still at home. I can tell he looks up to me (to a certain extent), so I enjoy spending one-on-one time with him. He is just like me, only far ahead of where I was at the same age. So, though he'd never understand it, he teaches me more than I teach him.
Peyton is next. Extremely intelligent, just like Matt. Peyton knows more about some subjects (especially sciences), than I think I may ever comprehend. He is one of those people who likes to read and watch educational things, to learn just for fun. He's also the engineer-type. He has a unique personality, and while he is still growing and finding his way, he is firm in his beliefs, and I'm inspired by his self security. He idolizes Matt, and that is not a bad thing at all.
Last, but certainly not least, is my mini-me, Paige. She is a confident, outgoing, sassy six-year-old who says she wants to be like me when she grows up. I'm not sure that is such a good thing, haha, but it does keep me in line, to remain a good role-model for her. Being my only little sister, I think I adore her more than she adores me. Also, her level of confidence at her age is very reassuring to me, because that's what I lacked at her age. It is also inspirational. If I could teach her only one thing, however, it would be independence. But that will surely come with time.
As for my parents, each of them has a different but important impact on me. Having four of them, I have a full range of influences. I am most like my dad, and he has perhaps the largest influence on me. We have the same personality and sense of humor, and he's careful about guiding me in the right direction. My mom (the one I don't live with) always encourages me to pursue my dreams, and not let any obstacles prevent me from achieving them. The mom I do live with is a yoga teacher, so she always offers emotional viewpoints, but she is aslo highly realistic and rational. My step-dad (who I don't live with), acts as a guidance counselor, providing real-world advice in terms of education and career.
I am the kind of person that takes much pride in being independent and working hard for what I want. Sometimes viewed as stoic, uncaring, and even self-important, the facts that my self-standards are high, that I want to do things on my own, and that I will do whatever it takes to achieve my constantly heightened ambitions, are closer to the truth. And while that has brought me a long way, even further have I come as a direct product of my family members.
While it is impossible to see my whole family at any given time, I share a unique relationship with each family member. I remain on (at least) good terms with everyone in my family. Where this is going, is that it just dawned on me that they are the reason I am as fortunate as I am about where my life is going. They are the reason I have been so successful, so far.
To explain myself a bit more in depth: Being that my family is so large, it can be expected that there is a large variety of personalities and ways of living. (You'd be surprised how very different people who were raised exactly the same way can be!) Because of that, I have been inspired and moulded by the examples and decisions of each person in my family.
My oldest brother, Matt, is to become an Officer in the US Navy upon graduating from NC State this summer. From there, he will attend flight school in Pensicola, FL to begin training for a career as a Naval Flight Officer. He is a highly intelligent, very patient, quiet-yet-fun, novelistic idea of an oldest brother. He is perhaps not very challenged in his education, being too smart for his own good. Either way, he is very respected among others, myself included.
Next in line is Kevin, who could not be more different. He is still trying to find what exactly he wants to do with his life. He is one of those people who is able to become passionate about whatever he is doing, almost to the point of obsession. He is also very talented in many ways I wish I was. Throughout his school years, he had to work a little bit harder for the same effect as those who didn't put forth much effort. Because of that, he has searched for alternative ways to survive in the "real world". Currently passionate about golf, he works as a caddy in Pinehurst. Searching for his next move, he is bracing himself at home, gaining some resistance before taking off again.
Brittney is my older sister, right before me. Like Kevin, she has taken an indefinite break from school, viewing it as a barrier from doing what she really wants to do: become a movie star. She is a successful waitress, happy with her latest boyfriend, and living with her dad. Growing up, she encouraged me to live by my heart, pursue my talents and passions, and not to care what others think about me. She is the sister that is also a best friend. I owe a lot of my confidence to her.
Right below me is my younger brother, Patrick. He is the perfect combination of all of us older kids. He has the brains, the looks, the talent, the swagger...haha. He gets perfect grades without trying, he is practically famous in his school (EVERY girl in his school wants to date him), and he is recognized by respected musicians around the town for being a proficient guitarist. He also dabbles in singing and songwriting. His dream is to go to Berklee College of Music and become the next John Mayer.
Michael is a red-headed leprechaun of a little brother, trying to figure out how to make the smoothest transition from elementary to middle school. He makes being cool an academic subject, studying the "textbook" of popularity. Largely misunderstood (being the youngest child in one house), he remains my best friend still at home. I can tell he looks up to me (to a certain extent), so I enjoy spending one-on-one time with him. He is just like me, only far ahead of where I was at the same age. So, though he'd never understand it, he teaches me more than I teach him.
Peyton is next. Extremely intelligent, just like Matt. Peyton knows more about some subjects (especially sciences), than I think I may ever comprehend. He is one of those people who likes to read and watch educational things, to learn just for fun. He's also the engineer-type. He has a unique personality, and while he is still growing and finding his way, he is firm in his beliefs, and I'm inspired by his self security. He idolizes Matt, and that is not a bad thing at all.
Last, but certainly not least, is my mini-me, Paige. She is a confident, outgoing, sassy six-year-old who says she wants to be like me when she grows up. I'm not sure that is such a good thing, haha, but it does keep me in line, to remain a good role-model for her. Being my only little sister, I think I adore her more than she adores me. Also, her level of confidence at her age is very reassuring to me, because that's what I lacked at her age. It is also inspirational. If I could teach her only one thing, however, it would be independence. But that will surely come with time.
As for my parents, each of them has a different but important impact on me. Having four of them, I have a full range of influences. I am most like my dad, and he has perhaps the largest influence on me. We have the same personality and sense of humor, and he's careful about guiding me in the right direction. My mom (the one I don't live with) always encourages me to pursue my dreams, and not let any obstacles prevent me from achieving them. The mom I do live with is a yoga teacher, so she always offers emotional viewpoints, but she is aslo highly realistic and rational. My step-dad (who I don't live with), acts as a guidance counselor, providing real-world advice in terms of education and career.
I am the kind of person that takes much pride in being independent and working hard for what I want. Sometimes viewed as stoic, uncaring, and even self-important, the facts that my self-standards are high, that I want to do things on my own, and that I will do whatever it takes to achieve my constantly heightened ambitions, are closer to the truth. And while that has brought me a long way, even further have I come as a direct product of my family members.
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