The last two years have been a blur of busy schedules, seemingly endless amounts of work to do, coffee/dark circles under my eyes, and moments of piece/rest/laughter sprinkled in the middle of everything. It has been hard finding the balance in it all, figuring out how much I can handle…and also figuring out how much I should allow myself to handle. It has been a constant ebb and flow in order to find out what works. I’m not even sure I ever figured out the perfect formula for pushing myself vs. pushing myself too hard. (I guess I have another three years or so to figure that out though…) What I do know, is that it has all been worth it (even if it didn’t always feel like that in the moment.) because I graduated last week with my associates degree in Music Engineering and Industry.
Here are a few things college and these last two years have taught me:
1. Setting realistic goals is important. I like to be working towards something at all times. I like the idea of having something to put my energy into. I love progress and the way there is always room for more of it. These last two years, I have had to be more intentional about the goals I set for myself, because it is far too easy for me to get carried away and set these crazy unrealistic goals, and then be disappointed when I can’t reach them. I’m still learning this one, but I think I’m getting better at it all the time. (Progress! Am I right?)
2. Stick to the things that interest and challenge you. I have learned so much about the music industry, audio engineering, recording, performing, and writing these last few years. It is never ending! There is so much to know and learn! But i have found that it is really important to be true to what interests you. Pursue those things. Seek out ways to learn more about the things that intrigue you, the things that push you, and the things that come naturally. These are the things that make you who you are.
3. Sometimes, you just have to ask for help. I have always been a pretty independent person, so asking for help is not my first instinct a lot of times. There have been times throughout my life though, that I am so thankful I swallowed my pride (because that’s what it is…isn’t it? Pride?) and asked for some help. It doesn’t make you weaker or less independent if you ask for help. Don’t forget that.
4. You may not always love what you love. What I mean by that is that is that you aren’t always going to love playing music or writing songs. You aren’t always going to love audio or performing, and that’s okay. Having those periods where you don’t feel outrageously excited about what you’re doing are normal. It is part of life. It took me awhile to understand that, and maybe I am still in the process of learning that lesson. The point is that you shouldn’t let those dry spells scare you into thinking that you are not exactly where you are meant to be.
I am really happy to be have been able to graduate in two years with a degree that challenges and intrigues me. I am also really happy to be able to continue pursuing this field of study. In the Fall, I will be going to The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Oklahoma City. I think it will be a bit of a change of pace, a bit intimidating, but mostly a really great place to grow. I will tell you more about all of this as it gets closer.
Next week, I will be sharing with you all my summer plans, and what I’m working on next! Thanks for reading!
Here are a few things college and these last two years have taught me:
1. Setting realistic goals is important. I like to be working towards something at all times. I like the idea of having something to put my energy into. I love progress and the way there is always room for more of it. These last two years, I have had to be more intentional about the goals I set for myself, because it is far too easy for me to get carried away and set these crazy unrealistic goals, and then be disappointed when I can’t reach them. I’m still learning this one, but I think I’m getting better at it all the time. (Progress! Am I right?)
2. Stick to the things that interest and challenge you. I have learned so much about the music industry, audio engineering, recording, performing, and writing these last few years. It is never ending! There is so much to know and learn! But i have found that it is really important to be true to what interests you. Pursue those things. Seek out ways to learn more about the things that intrigue you, the things that push you, and the things that come naturally. These are the things that make you who you are.
3. Sometimes, you just have to ask for help. I have always been a pretty independent person, so asking for help is not my first instinct a lot of times. There have been times throughout my life though, that I am so thankful I swallowed my pride (because that’s what it is…isn’t it? Pride?) and asked for some help. It doesn’t make you weaker or less independent if you ask for help. Don’t forget that.
4. You may not always love what you love. What I mean by that is that is that you aren’t always going to love playing music or writing songs. You aren’t always going to love audio or performing, and that’s okay. Having those periods where you don’t feel outrageously excited about what you’re doing are normal. It is part of life. It took me awhile to understand that, and maybe I am still in the process of learning that lesson. The point is that you shouldn’t let those dry spells scare you into thinking that you are not exactly where you are meant to be.
I am really happy to be have been able to graduate in two years with a degree that challenges and intrigues me. I am also really happy to be able to continue pursuing this field of study. In the Fall, I will be going to The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Oklahoma City. I think it will be a bit of a change of pace, a bit intimidating, but mostly a really great place to grow. I will tell you more about all of this as it gets closer.
Next week, I will be sharing with you all my summer plans, and what I’m working on next! Thanks for reading!