Day 3: I'm Thankful For...

I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to go to college!  I am now on my fifth year of college...most kids would be sick of it by now, but I am loving it.  It's a lot of hard work, stress, and one heck of a crazy schedule, but I really appreciate all of the things that I have been able to learn over the years.  I've learned more that just what they teach in the classrooms, I've grown as a person as well. I wouldn't be who I am right now, if I hadn't gone through some of the stuff I have and learned things from those experiences.  

I may be taking a less conventional route through college, but it's been worth it!  I spent three years in community college and earned two associate degrees before transferring to the university I am at now.  If I hadn't spent the extra year at community college I wouldn't have earned those degrees.  And now, I'll have spent three years at the university before graduating with two bachelor degrees.  Spending these extra years has given me the opportunity to learn more than the average student that only spends four years in college.  And, to top it off...after six years, I will have earned four degrees!  But, it's not just about earning extra degrees...those are just pieces of paper after all.  It's that I've been able to learn so much more about music, what I want to do with music, more about myself and how strong I can be!  I've learned so much about myself!  I've also come to love music more than I ever have before because I have a deeper understanding and knowledge of it!  With transferring to the university that I am currently at, I have had many amazing opportunities that wouldn't have been offered to me had I not had the opportunity to go to college.  In the past year, I have performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall, been a hand double/recording artist/composer for a film, recorded a piece of music for a CD for my schools conservatory, and recorded music that will be on a video game!  The extra time that I've taken has also blessed me with an early partial acception for my masters degree to study with one of the top harpist in the world...which I wouldn't be applying for until next school year!

So, even though I can't wait for the semester to end, and sometimes don't want to go to class...There are so many things that college can offer that goes beyond just the classroom and I am so grateful to have that opportunity!

My beloved harp that has helped me have the opportunity to go to college and study my passion!

(this picture was taken in front of one of the many old buildings we have on campus!)