Hello, Future Me!

Here we finally are! It's been a long time coming. Too long really...I think we were ready for this a few years back. You've been institutionalized just in time to find that the real world can't be re-created in a text book. Now your education truly begins! Just try to tap into that excitement & energy that you had when you committed to travel this long road. Remember it's all about helping your students become better individuals. Music is an excellent medium for that goal. You're a teacher fist, then a musician!

Core values? They have certainly been changing & developing up to this point. The key is to never let them stop developing. You're not going to have it all figured out anytime soon, so stay open-minded to other perspectives. Listen to & learn from those that are placed in your path. Work hard, be passionate, think outside the box. Love people, love yourself, love what you teach. Be positive. Show your students what music can do for them by sharing shamelessly what it has done for you.

Music will need to be defended wherever you find yourself. Remember that you are on the front lines! If you don't do it, very few will. You are an advocate for music in your community, big or small. Show them by example. Let your program sing with excitement & energy! If you program is weak, make it strong. If it's strong, make it stronger. There will always be a need for the power of music in the life of a student, school, & community!
Most important thing to do right now? Pray like everything is up to God, & then go to work like everything is up to you! Be willing to work your but off. You're not in college anymore. This is your chance to do something great, to contribute to society, to do something that should be remembered. Don't blow it! Well, it's been nice taking to me. Good luck, self!