...more than deflated, defeated. Tired, sad, frustrated, questioning, useless.
I was wondering why I was doing the career I have chosen and wondering if my energy could be spent better in another area of work. Both mentally and financially.
Then, the next Friday morning I was giving a "Level" test and the student's essay brought my emotions to the surface and I thanked them for reminding me that this is "Why I teach MUSIC, LIFE and so much more that is not, and never will be, ON the TEST."
Here is the essay the student wrote that morning for you to enjoy...
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“How Has Music Changed My Life?”
By: Anonymous
“How has music changed your life?” one might ask. I find that this is a difficult question to answer because there are so many different ways that my life has been affected by music. The best possible answer I can give comes in parts. Music has changed my mental state, and it has changed my social life. It has also changed the way I learn. These are basically some of the places that music has changed me entirely.
First of all, my whole life I have been bullied. As long as I can remember, there has always been someone to hurt me. I never wanted to go to school solely for that reason. For many years, I felt so alone. Something I could easily connect with was music. It took my mind off the “pain,” if you will. Also, if I listened to music with lyrics, it would make me feel better because the artists I listen to have been through the same thing and worse. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone anymore. I remember realizing how there was a whole population just like I. It gave me confidence that I wasn’t the freak everyone said I was.
Second, music has greatly changed my social life. Like I said before, I was so alone, and I wasn’t sure who to talk to or trust. When I realized that there were others like me, I opened up more. I then found people to whom I could relate and actually get to know. Obviously, my friends’ and my music selection is very different from what many are listening to at this school. There is immediate discrimination, and our group becomes separate from the rest. I’ve learned that that’s ok because I’m happy with the people I hang out with. We aren’t just friends anymore. Rather, we’re more like a family now because we all support each other and protect each other from harm.
Finally, music has changed the way I learn. When studying, I try to put the information into a song so I can remember it better. Also, I found that when taking a test or when trying to focus, I start playing music in my head. If I’m trying to learn something outside of school, then I use song lyrics to help me relate one thing to another. The musicians, bands, and artists have more life experience, so they always seem to word perfectly things I can’t express.
Overall, music is a life saver for me. I don’t know where I would be without it, and I’m glad it exists. Music is a universal art that many make or use. It’s a form of connection throughout the world, linking people, places, and stories together. My life without music would be so flavorless and boring. I’d still be that person sitting alone, I’d still be pushed around, and I just wouldn’t be the same person that I am now.