Monday, 16 January 2006

Where are YOU in twenty years?

That question is popular for career planners, college admissions representatives, and other such folks to direct at high school & college students. As I've looked back, my answer has changed over the years.

Back in upper elementary school, I imagined myself doing something like my dad's job. My future world as I imagined it resembled that of Dilbert, working as a cubicle rat doing something likely having to do with engineering or other white-collar style job, complete with coworkers of all sorts, evil administrators, and (of course), the pointy-haired boss.

In junior high and high school, I began drifting back towards my early elementary school idea of being a teacher. I squished five years of science into four and took every college-prep math class imaginable. I thought, "Maybe I'll end up teaching chemistry or biology or something."

Then Ms. Sopha told me she figured me teaching choir. Teach choir? Hmmm... I'd get to do music, keep up on my singing and piano playing, State Honors Choirs (directing and sending students to participate), festivals... that could be lots of fun.

Finally, senior year of high school, I finally decided to act like I wanted to teach (and earned one scholarship for that specific reason). Probably music? Sure, but I didn't make any concrete decisions. The registration forms arrived for classes at Hope, and I rifle through them. Then the point of no return (so it seemed) arrived: "If you want to major in music, be sure to register for these classes," and then the whole battery of freshman music classes was listed. Holy crap, how am I going to do all this...?

Now I get asked, "What do you want to teach?" I initially answered "high school," but I keep thinking of teaching university-level music now. I feel music education is my calling and I've seen signs of that last semester, but I've noticed some of the biggest during exams and this semester already.

It began during the performances for semester compositions for Theory II last semester. All the sophomore music theory students, a few other musicians, and some outside guests all gathered in Snow Auditorium for the performances. Dr. Hodson gave a brief introduction on what we'd be doing, what the performance was all about, etc. Jay leaned over to Steven while Dr. Hodson was talking and whispered in his ear, "That's Tyler Racey in twenty years!"

With the onset of a new semester has meant two big things in the music department: Dr. Richmond & Prof. Wolfe's departure for the semester and the arrival of Dr. Jeff Buettner. Dr. Buettner is filling in Dr. Richmond's role for the semester while the whole Richmond family goes cavorting throughout Europe. Having only VERY briefly been introduced to Dr. Buettner at a Chapel Choir recording session, no one in the department really knew what to make of him. However... here are the reactions some of my friends have had regarding him.

Sarah: He's SO much like Andrew Meyers! (note: I've been compared to Andrew in personality)
Jessica: Tyler! Dr. Buettner reminds me SO much of you!
Megan: Oh my gosh! Tyler: Dr. Buettner reminds me of YOU!
Kara: He reminds me of Tyler!
Maggie: Kara's right. Dr. Buettner DOES remind me of you...
Amanda: All the vocal music ed. people tell me he's you in twenty years.

Currently Listening Worship By Michael W. Smith Open the Eyes of My Heart see related

Comments(3)

I kind of know that i have absolutely know idea exactly what I'll be doing or where- I hope I stay in Michigan.

chickenlittle27

Wow... what a post. Would you like to be married with children in 20 years? Have you thought about where you would like to live? I wonder if the Angela would like the U.P. - there's lots of trees and wild life up there...

[End Dorothy's random thoughts]

dorothygale27

Okay, an addendum...

I usually think I'd like to be married and raise a family (in that order, please) when I'm "grown up," but I've discovered here at Hope how much I value my independence. It's quite nice to not have to constantly explain to everyone where you'll be going, how long you'll be gone, who's there, and the list goes on. However, I can't imagine NOT having a family. There definitely will be kittycats in my home and they will be loved. Hopefully I'll still be living in Michigan-unlike so many people that come from our great state, I love it here. There are four seasons (usually) instead of just "hot" and "hot and wet" like in Hawaii, and it's home. I'd prefer to live in western Michigan, but I think I could hack it over on the eastern side of the state, too (sorry my east Michigan fans).

Major_General_Music