I was told when I entered college that I won’t really begin to understand my life or my potential until somewhere between sophomore and junior year. Now, being halfway through my junior year in college, I believe that is definitely true.


 

It’s been awhile since winter/spring semester ’06…but I’ll do my best to give highlights. 

It began with the opera (The Three Sisters who are not Sisters, by Ned Rorem)

which was quite creepy…children playing games…imaginations running wild, etc.

I also discovered my love of spandex while living in the dorms (dryers?). Interesting what amusements come when living with hundreds of people under one roof.
(Children, don't try this at home!)

I also loved going to San Francisco over spring break. I got to meet a bunch of awesome homeless kids, work with Salvation Army, sing karaoke with old people, and hang out with the INNERchange crew (who pretty much make sure the emotional needs of the homeless are met…I admire their approach to ministry).


Over the summer I got to work a couple jobs and do lots of music. I took lessons from an amazing diva downtown. She inspired me a lot by helping me realize what the life of an opera singer is like and drilling me with technique and such. Her personality was perhaps the best part…."I mean God is probably some huge black woman, and she’s given you a voice for a reason...you better use it!.... Don’t perform because you want to. You’ll never make it. I perform because I have to. …….You gotta open that mouth, honey! Real wide...there you go, you can fit a Hummer in that thing! I can fit a mac truck in mine!” Amazing.

I also loved my job nannying this summer, full of pillow fights, playing at the park, feeding ducks, playing Jimi Hendrix to the little 5 year old drummer-to-be. I have lots of good memories.

So the change from sophomore to junior year came upon returning to school, and realizing how much my voice had changed during the summertime. I feel much more inclined to engage in competitions (honorable mention in National Association of Teachers of Singing all state competition) and much more adept to practicing. (Perhaps I’m an opera performance major in the making?).

Another big change this year is living in an apartment with just one roommate (Sara.)  It's quite lovely and we drink lots of coffee and tea!

I also have discovered a lot about the arts in taking a philosophy of art course and an art course on film. I’ve discovered a lot about artistry this past semester and it’s been a great process.

There is one challenge about living in Chicago: the beaches are not quite as warm as San Diego beaches! I visited a lot of them with my friend Laura as we drove around Lake Michigan!

Aarrgh!
Merry Christmas!
(Christmas Pirate Cookies)