With the first half of the semester already over, it feels like an appropriate time to take stock of the highs and lows, what has gone well and what… perhaps leaves some room for improvement. This has, by far, been my busiest semester yet, and, while I insist to my family and friends that “it’s no one thing that’s making me busy,” I would have to admit that it is, in fact, all of the things that I’ve agreed to that make my life so chaotic. 24 hours in a day doesn’t seem like nearly enough when trying to tackle my 5 classes, my 4-hour orgo lab, and the three overload music credits I’m taking on top of that… not to mention my two jobs, and positions on various e-boards and leadership roles. “It’s all good stuff,” has become an all-too familiar mantra to my friends and family as I justify my hectic schedule, and while that is certainly true, I’ll be the first to admit that fall break has been a much-needed respite from the constant influx of work, responsibilities, and assignments that seem to always find me on the hill.
In the spirit of that “good stuff,” though, I’ll share some of the highlights that have come from my chaotic schedule!
- My composition class held a workshop with visiting artist Johnny Gandelsman, where he played for us the short pieces we had written for his visit!
- I collaborated with a few faculty and another student to put on a lunchtime concert in the Cantor Art Gallery.
- I’m working with my co-chair of the music department SAC (student advisory council) to form a Worcester collective of college-aged musicians that will work for the VMA (volunteer musicians of America) – super exciting stuff!
- I just finished writing a movement of a quartet that will be performed by one of the chamber groups on campus at their winter concert!
- I have actually managed to have some free time occasionally, which has been spent watching movies with friends or sharing some meals together!
- During one of my evening classes, we all went out to see the Northern Lights!
All in all, I’ve quite enjoyed this semester so far! The long days and nights are worth it to be able to share the awesome things that are happening on campus and in Worcester, and I’m grateful to be a part of all of it. I’m sure by the time Christmas break rolls around I’ll be sharing a different story… but it’s all good stuff! See you on the other side 😊
