How has your semester been?

The other day, someone asked me how the semester was going.  Before I answered, I paused for a moment.  I told them the truth.  I shared that this has been an exciting semester but also a very tough semester.

This semester I have been faced with many different challenges such as preparing for a recital, dealing with loss, and co-leading music therapy sessions once a week. This semester has also been a reminder to take advantage of the opportunities placed in front of you, because you never know if they will come up again.

While I am extremely proud of how far I have come as a person, musician, and music therapist this semester, I would be lying if I said the semester went swimmingly.  There were days when I loved my life and didn't want the day to end..but there were also times when the day couldn't end soon enough..days where all I could do was go to my room and put on a sad movie so that I had an excuse to cry.

This semester has taught be how to balance.  By this, I mean that I have learned to balance school vs social life, practicing vs other homework, practicing trumpet vs practicing music therapy, balancing my faith with my everyday life, and balancing my emotional needs with the stress of being a college student.

This semester has been a reminder that you can't go through life by yourself.  It has been a reminder to share with my friends and family how I am feeling/what I am thinking..because sometimes you have to let it out instead of bottling it all up inside.  It's been a reminder that sometimes you just need to take a night off from practicing and spend it with those you love.

Each day I have made it a point to remind myself of how lucky I am to be here on Earth.  I remind myself that hard work really does pay off.  I remind myself that those tough moments when I want to quit are where I need to push through because in the end, it will make me stronger person.

Each day brings new emotions.  With these emotions come old and new memories.  With these memories comes a reminder of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful support system, the ability to study at an institution of higher education, and the gift of helping others through music.

God didn't bring you this far to leave you.
-Philippians 1:6