This semester is already proving to be, well, difficult. That isn't to say that the experiences and knowledge I gain from such challenges won't be beneficial to me, which they will, but I'm already feeling overwhelmed. Let me give a run down of what is in store in the near future.
I was chosen to fulfill my 4th music therapy practicum requirement at Bear River House, which is a center for Adults with Mental Illnesses. This means schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, depression, etc. Knowing that I want to work with geriatrics for my profession, this is quite the stretch for me. I feel like I am out of my element as I will be facilitating sessions in an intense psychiatric setting. And, I'm dealing with humility also as I have been, once again, placed with a partner who has difficulty speaking English. She is a talented musician and has great ideas, but I must be very patient with her as we try to coordinate on session plans and interventions in a language which is not her native tongue. I have asked myself, "Why me?" several times since the assignment and the only reasonable conclusion I can come up with is that my supervisors see potential for patience and acceptance(or something) in me. But, this gives me an opportunity to grow and also be more assertive and assured in my skills as a music therapist; preparing me for internship in the future.
On March 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the USU Performance Hall, I will be performing my Senior Vocal Recital! It has been a long time coming. I have a beautiful dress that I bought on sale at the same dress shop where I found my wedding dress. I'm almost finished with the program printout, and still have to solidify a few songs out of the 18 I will be performing in various languages throughout the night. Funny thing is that I had an accompanist on scholarship which translates into a "free" accompanist for me, yet she decided she did not want to be a piano major anymore. So, an application for another accompanist has been put in to the piano department and we are waiting and hoping and praying.
I'm in active search for a job in Logan. My boss at the place I worked before Michael and I got married said he would hire me back, which I was excited about. But, long story short...I don't think it's going to work out. I really want to acquire some piano and voice students, because not only is teaching fun, the hours and pay are so much better than other part-time jobs!
I'm researching and beginning the application process for music therapy internships next January. I have hopes for a particular facility in Logan, but also exploring other options. And did I mention that most internships for music therapy are unpaid? It's a cruel world.
I'm also working on the most difficult and grueling class a music therapy student must take in the midst of coursework. No, it's not Theory, Music History, Form, or even Elementary School Music (haha). I'm talking about Human Anatomy. Dreaded, feared, and at times, loathed. And, I'm taking it online from BYU because at least their course is easier and more suited to our needs that the super difficult one taught here at USU. I'm going to need prayers to survive.
Which brings me to my next goal, Michael and I are determined to attend the temple once a month. We were very consistent while living in Layton and going on Ward Temple Night, but during the move have missed out on a month of attendance. Granted, the Logan temple just reopened after a month-long closing for maintenance, but we aren't going to let that be an excuse for January pass by temple-less. It is such a blessing for us and our family.
And lastly, in the midst of 18 credits worth of classes, trying to find a job, and take care of a husband, I need to take care of myself. And that means going to the gym and exercising on a regular basis. It is a means to relieve stress, and makes me look and feel better. I have a goal to start out simply, working with breaks in my schedule, and I will keep it up.
I was chosen to fulfill my 4th music therapy practicum requirement at Bear River House, which is a center for Adults with Mental Illnesses. This means schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, depression, etc. Knowing that I want to work with geriatrics for my profession, this is quite the stretch for me. I feel like I am out of my element as I will be facilitating sessions in an intense psychiatric setting. And, I'm dealing with humility also as I have been, once again, placed with a partner who has difficulty speaking English. She is a talented musician and has great ideas, but I must be very patient with her as we try to coordinate on session plans and interventions in a language which is not her native tongue. I have asked myself, "Why me?" several times since the assignment and the only reasonable conclusion I can come up with is that my supervisors see potential for patience and acceptance(or something) in me. But, this gives me an opportunity to grow and also be more assertive and assured in my skills as a music therapist; preparing me for internship in the future.
On March 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the USU Performance Hall, I will be performing my Senior Vocal Recital! It has been a long time coming. I have a beautiful dress that I bought on sale at the same dress shop where I found my wedding dress. I'm almost finished with the program printout, and still have to solidify a few songs out of the 18 I will be performing in various languages throughout the night. Funny thing is that I had an accompanist on scholarship which translates into a "free" accompanist for me, yet she decided she did not want to be a piano major anymore. So, an application for another accompanist has been put in to the piano department and we are waiting and hoping and praying.
I'm in active search for a job in Logan. My boss at the place I worked before Michael and I got married said he would hire me back, which I was excited about. But, long story short...I don't think it's going to work out. I really want to acquire some piano and voice students, because not only is teaching fun, the hours and pay are so much better than other part-time jobs!
I'm researching and beginning the application process for music therapy internships next January. I have hopes for a particular facility in Logan, but also exploring other options. And did I mention that most internships for music therapy are unpaid? It's a cruel world.
I'm also working on the most difficult and grueling class a music therapy student must take in the midst of coursework. No, it's not Theory, Music History, Form, or even Elementary School Music (haha). I'm talking about Human Anatomy. Dreaded, feared, and at times, loathed. And, I'm taking it online from BYU because at least their course is easier and more suited to our needs that the super difficult one taught here at USU. I'm going to need prayers to survive.
Which brings me to my next goal, Michael and I are determined to attend the temple once a month. We were very consistent while living in Layton and going on Ward Temple Night, but during the move have missed out on a month of attendance. Granted, the Logan temple just reopened after a month-long closing for maintenance, but we aren't going to let that be an excuse for January pass by temple-less. It is such a blessing for us and our family.
And lastly, in the midst of 18 credits worth of classes, trying to find a job, and take care of a husband, I need to take care of myself. And that means going to the gym and exercising on a regular basis. It is a means to relieve stress, and makes me look and feel better. I have a goal to start out simply, working with breaks in my schedule, and I will keep it up.
Wish me luck!!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!! Really, you can! Some things I would reccommend that have helped me during really tough times: memorize a scripture or two that are especially empowering. "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." (more or less), or something! Repeat in your mind when you're feeling particularly stressed. Another reccommendation: be religious in your exercise schedule! Stick to it! Exercise will help get rid of your stress and will give you more energy. You can do it one hour at a time, one day at a time. Look for the light at the end of the tunnel!!
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