Dear Self,

I still remember the moment I knew that I wanted to be a music educator. I was a

sophomore in a musical theater class, and Mr. Noland passed out a worksheet on Reading

rhythms, and a group of peers had no clue what they meant. So, I sat with them and helped them

through the work, explaining how all the notes and rest can get cut up and how to count through

the measures. In the moment, I felt like I had a purpose, a knowledge that I had to give to others.

Often, I struggled with feeling like I had something to give to the world. Growing up, I

remember sitting and thinking, What can I do for a job if I can’t learn to read, do math, or be

smart? Growing up with special needs it was rare for me to feel confident in myself and my

skills, and knowing I can be a helping hand and change that in other students makes me feel so

grateful and privileged.

I hope to continue to grow into the educator I know I can be and give myself grace as I do

so I still have a long way to go before I graduate and begin to embark on my career. I have yet to

take conducting or writing, let alone present a complete lesson plan, it’s overwhelming to think

of this with every intricate piece of the puzzle splayed out waiting to methodically be

constructed. It would be a lie to say I am not scared of what is waiting for me in the future, yet I

know that I can handle it because of the work I have already done and the people who support

me through it all. With all the experiences to come, it brings me great comfort to know I won’t

be alone, and I believe that this collaboration is what can mark a good educator. As music

educators will be constantly working in ensembles to perform music, we work with each other to

problem solve and create, and arts educators often must work with and rely on each other to

make things happen. Collaboration is so much of what we do.

In the future, I see myself in a middle or high school teaching choir and theater and making my

classroom a safe space for students of all backgrounds and experiences. Choir and theater were

stepping stones for me to learn more about not only the world around me but myself, it gave me

the confidence and experiences I needed and wanted to provide to others. I want to lead with the

kindness, gratitude, and strength that my educators both past and present have that continuously

inspire me. They were the ones to believe in me on days when I didn’t even believe in myself.

With this, I want students to know the value of collaboration and what makes an ensemble. I

want them to have a sense of community both in and out of the classroom. Being a young person

can be very difficult, and it is easy to slip through the cracks and feel alone, for some music

classes are an opportunity to express and be a part of something, and I want to provide that for

students just as it was for me.

Love,

Myself