Back to School, Back to Learning, Back to Progress

As I begin my final year at North Dakota State University, I can’t help but think about how music has shaped my life and the direction I am headed. Music has always been more than just something I love—it has been a way to connect with people, to feel close with the heavens, to express words that I just can’t find on my own, and to bring a little more light into the world. This last year at NDSU has been filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences, and I am so grateful for how each one has prepared and guided me for what lies ahead.

This past year I have had the chance to sing with the NDSU Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers under the new direction of Dr. Dwight Jilek, and I have studied under the vocal tutilage of Dr. Clarissa Templeton, and other professors like Dr. Kelly Burns and Dr. Tyler Wottrich. Under these capable instructors, I have learned a level of professionalism and excellence in performance that I never imagined, and experience personal growth that I had only hoped for. I have watched and seen how music can build confidence, spark joy, and even bring healing in myself and others. Watching a student discover their own voice is such a powerful reminder of why I chose this path in the first place.

All of these experiences have led me to pursue my next goal: becoming a music therapist. As I finish up my final studies at NDSU, I will begin the start of the application process for this next step. I believe in the healing power of music with all my heart, and I am excited to find ways to use it to help people in all stages of life. But for now, I will embrace this final year of learning and growth in Fargo. I will throw my whole self into the journey and search for those moments of inspiration and joy along the way. Even now, I can use music to make a difference in my own life and the lives of others.

This year feels like both an ending and a beginning. It is the close of a wonderful chapter at NDSU with the focus being on my personal progression, and the start of a new journey towards further music therapy education with the focus being on other’s growth and progression. I am so thankful for the teachers, classmates, family, and friends who have supported me along the way—you’ve all been a part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what this next year brings and to share those next steps with you.