The New and The Old

Before I came to Converse I had a different set of responsibilities then the ones I have here. I also had different focuses in my life. Since I've been here I have become more focused around my music. (obviously since I'm a music major). I don't feel like I've changed as a person since I've been here it has just been adjusting to my new surroundings. I still hold on to the same values, still have the same personality, and still have the motivation and drive to succeed. I've just changed my course a little bit. I sort of had it backwards when I arrived. I came with everything planned out and knew exactly what I wanted to do. Now that I'm here I'm not sure that's what I really want. So, its not that I've changed so much its that the change is about to happen. I don't know what it will bring but I hope it'll be for the better. I can't really comment on the future because I don't know whats in store. But what I can say is bring it on.

A New Tradition For Converse

I think that in addition to "purple Friday" everyone should have cupcakes on friday, and good cupcakes too. BUT, only for those who wear purple. People like food, so if you give them sweet motivation more people will probably wear purple which is the ultimate goal. As a side note, I just really like cupcakes. The music building has a cookie fairy that comes and that keeps the students eager to come to class or the building in general because of delicious possibilities. So, if Purple Fridays became purple cupcake fridays I think that would be a nice addition.

Music that makes me happy

In a time of particular stress I find myself turning to the bluegrass sounds of Chris Thile and things of the same sound. I used to play a lot of that type of music it makes me think of how much fun it was. I just like the way it sounds and if I hear a nice lick or solo it makes me happy because I think its cool. I'm not exactly sure why I turn to this type of music but I guess its something that was a big part of growing up and sort of a foundation for me. Its always something I can come back to and I find comfort in that. If I get a little to tired of drilling my classical repertoire and exercises I can rip off a hot tune and sort of re-center myself emotionally, mentally, and musically. I know this probably sounds weird, but I'm sort of weird. It is what helps me, so I'm going to stick to it.

should the drinking age be lowered?

I kind of straddle the fence on this argument but am leaning towards one side a little. I think that compared to the other activities that are allowed at 18 drinking is trivial.  Should we be able to vote on our nation's leaders that have the ability to change all the policies they want, but not have a beer?  We can buy cigarettes which are just as, if not more harmful to your body than alcohol. We can go to war, and die fighting but can't have a drink when we come home on leave.  People can even become a commercial pilot or adopt children at age 18, both of those entail being responsible for someone else's life and safety.  I think that is a much more important privilege than drinking. Take Europe's policy into consideration; they have a much lower drinking age and everything seems to be fine for them.  Alcohol is not a special thing over there, it doesn't make you cool if you break into your parent's liquor cabinet on the weekend.  They have no need to do that so I feel like they have less incentive to be corrupted by it instead of enjoying it socially.  There has always been the argument that "If something is illegal or against certain rules then more people are likely to do it." People are always looking for ways to fit in and be socially accepted. For some, sneaking around and drinking is a conversation topic that they think makes them look cool or like rebels. So, maybe if alcohol wasn't such a guarded substance young people wouldn't go after it as much. Think about people over 21, they probably don't drink as heavily or have crazy parties as much as people in the 16-20 range. Of course there are going to be exceptions to every rule but for the most part drinking becomes more social and not quite as crazy.  Maybe that is because the fun edge has been taken off, its not as exciting or a big deal as it used to be. The other side of this argument is that people that young cannot possibly handle unlimited exposure to alcohol and still function correctly. Maybe this is true, cultures of the world are very different so what works for one place might not work for another. Either way, the debate always ends up back at the other fundamental privileges of 18 and 21. Why are we allowed to do so many other important things but not drink legally. And if we were allowed to drink legally how would it be regulated? There are a lot of exterior factors that go into deciding whether or not the drinking age should be lowered. This is just my perspective.

Flash to the Future

Its sort of scary in a sense to think that we'll be juniors in just a few years. By that time we'll have a little sis to surprise and take care of. Some of the things that I would tell her would be ALWAYS study your theory. In Dr. Berry's class you'll learn about Mr. Yuckface but hopefully never have to meet him. It'll be hard at first and none it will make any sense but just keep at it and things will smooth out after a few weeks. ALWAYS be on time or try your best to be, professors don't like late comers.  Keep food in your room because sometimes you have to make the choice between breakfast and sleep. Practice, practice if you're a music student; your professors know that you don't play that badly (you wouldn't have passed the audition if you did) they always know if you don't practice. Don't be rude, especially not to your professors; I promise they really want to help you and see you succeed (even though it might seem like they give you hard homework and tests because they like to see you squirm). Obviously, do your assignments they certainly aren't going to do themselves. Always study harder than you think you should and don't go by other people's habits. Some students here have scholarships and have a mandatory GPA minimum. That means that you can't skate by on a D.  MAKE GOOD GRADES. Have a little fun every now and then and don't get too serious, but don't be a slacker. It' s all about finding your own personal way of life that works for you in the college world.

Time Management

My biggest time management challenge right now is juggling everything.  Sometimes I get distracted from what I'm supposed to be doing and I wind up staying up WAY too late to finish assignments.  Then I get grumpy and feel like sleeping, but I can't because there are too many things that have to be done. It's a vicious cycle. I think I'm getting better about it since athletes have hours of required study hall (8 hrs per week). But, on the other hand it cuts into my music practice time after getting through everything else in the day.  I think things will be getting easier as classes go on and we establish a routine that is followed. Even though we don't have a test every week in every class the work load is still heavy; especially for us music students! Side note: music theory is kicking my butt! (Don't tell Dr. Berry) Everyone has told me that the first semester is the worst; hopefully it won't be my whole semester.  With my planner in hand and a list for everything imaginable I'm going to tackle my procrastination and distraction and stay on top of things.

Four Questions

I decided to come to college because in the present world it is hard to pursue an average job without a college degree and make good money doing so.  At first, I did not choose to come to Converse. My parents discovered it and brought me to come tour and spend the night on campus. I dug my heels in and said "I am NOT going to an all-girl school!" But once I arrived on campus and met some really cool people I decided this was where I wanted to come continue my education. In fact, Converse was the only school I applied to.  I decided to study music at Converse after finding out about Music Therapy.  I thought it sounded like a wonderful career to have and also something that I would enjoy. On a completely different note, if I had to give up cereal or sandwiches for the rest of my life I would give up cereal.  I'm not much of a cereal person, my mother never let me and my brothers have sugary cereal when we were young. No Cocoa Puffs, Fruit Loops, or Trix so I never quite developed a taste for them.  I do like Lucky Charms but only for the little marshmallows.