I have attended a camp, Camp Centre Stage, every summer for some time, almost 11 years to be precise. Three years ago I transitioned from the metaphorical student role, to a teaching one. Aside from putting on shows, at CCS campers raised money and goods to give to charitable organizations. Our motto, very fitting might I add, is “Building Character and Character.” I remember all the shows that we ever put on, and all the moments we shared, but the thing that stayed with me most was the theme of each summer. Themes would range from meaningful phrases like “The moon is round”(wink wink to those of you who understand!) to simple themes like Perseverance and hard work. One specific theme from camp fits what I am going through very well, humility.
My biggest surprise entering college is how truly humbling it is. Within music or any other respective field of interest, students who were the best in their high schools realize that their skills are relatively mediocre in the broader scheme of things. Students, like me, go from having constant praise and direction, to a sense of unimportance and a struggle to know what step to take next. In this respect, as a student you have to be very self-driven… or at least act like you are! Fake it ‘til you make it!
Speaking of self-drive, after many conversations with music mentors and college counselors it seems that college (prepare yourself this ones a whammy!) is not a step by step guide like the admission officers make it out to be. Instead, college is just all the resources needed to succeed put together in one spot. My major mistake was assuming that in college there would be someone who would tell me each step to take and what I needed to do next, but what I have learned is that you have to form your own plan and follow-through with every step to make your dreams reality. Don’t worry! You’re not up a creek without a paddle; once you take the initial step there are plenty of professors, friends, and resources that will help push you the rest of the way.
Things for me have definitely taken a turn for the better. It took me a while but I have at long last come to the realization that being “the best” is not always what’s most important. It’s what you do with the opportunities you are given that dictate where your life will go. And so my friends, do you want to know the secret to being successful? Go into things with an open mind, benevolent and humble heart, and strong drive and you will succeed in anything.
MAS
Posted by masansgaard 
