Once a week, for four years, you put up with me for 50 minutes.
There are no words to express my thanks and gratitude for everything that you have taught me. Each week brought new challenges, stories, laughs, and smiles.
You pushed me to work hard. You encouraged me and supported me during my highest and lowest moments.
You taught me to never give up, and to always work for my dreams. You taught me to work hard when things weren't going my way. You showed me that just because something doesn't come easy, that doesn't mean it is impossible.
You supported me in my dreams of becoming a music therapist. Week-in and week-out, you asked me about my music therapy classes, my research project, my guitar skills, and my clients. You challenged me to sing in front of you, although I usually found a way out of it! ;)
You constantly asked me about my strengths and weaknesses. You encouraged me and guided me along the path of improving my weaknesses. You taught me to use my strengths to conquer those weaknesses.
Your door was always open if I needed to talk. You were just an email, text, or phone call away if I had a question, and your house was always open to me if I needed to visit the dogs and escape the craziness of life for a few short moments.
One of the greatest things I have learned and will always treasure from my four years of studying with you is "to never let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals." You constantly reminded me of this, whether it was by sending me an encouraging text/email, stopping me in the hallway to tell me how well I was doing, coming to my concerts, or being extremely honest with me in my lessons.
The email you sent me during finals week of my sophomore year will always hold a special place in my heart:
"If a skill doesn't come easy for you, you find a way to work on the problem and fix it. This path isn't always the easiest and forces us to confront a variety of challenges and fears. However, you always have taken a step forward after the trial. Keep up the diligent work and you'll reap the rewards..."
Over the next two years as I continued to face many challenging obstacles, I often reminded myself of this email. You gave me the courage to continue facing challenges and working for my dreams.
Thank you, Dr. Briney, for everything that you have taught me over the past four years. Thank you for showing me all that the trumpet has to offer. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your family, and treating me like one of your own. Thank you for constantly pushing me to be the best trumpet player, musician, music therapist, and person that I can be.
The next one is on me! :)
