It’s been forever since I sat down and considered writing a blog post. After I launched my blog almost a year ago, I ended up writing multiple other posts, but struggled to push publish. I wasn’t sure if people actually cared to hear what I had to say..which If I'm being honest, I still feel that way today. Regardless, I think writing is beneficial for me no matter if there’s an impact. Maybe people just want to know what I’m up to or maybe I can inspire them... who knows. Anyway, I started off my blog series while I was at my first internship, and titled it “Internship: the first two weeks.” I felt that it was only fitting add to the collection with my next topic: “Internship: the last two weeks.”
From something that was supposed to take me 6 months to complete, here I am almost a year later. I struggled with this because I was worried of comparison. Everyone else in my class was receiving their degree and passing their board-certification exam. But here I was, having to figure out my next step.
I was lucky enough to return from Kansas with a huge support system. Sometimes it takes a moment of hitting rock bottom to realize your next step. Luckily, I gave everything I had to stay positive and push forward, and honestly, I met the right people at the right time. If you’re reading this post and are confused. My previous internship in Kansas abruptly ended and I packed up my first studio apartment and moved back home to Northern Michigan.
When I returned home, my first thought was finding a new internship. I had no idea how long that would take because it was an awkward time. Thanksgiving and Christmas were quickly approaching, and who wants to have an intern when they’re about to go on vacation? I figured I needed to find a temporary job to keep myself busy.
I grew up in a strong entrepreneurship household, so I decided to take my own lead. I started a small clay earring shop that kept me busy, opened a music lessons studio, and ended up being hired as a full-time substitute teacher. I was blessed to teach in the “lovely” middle school. I learned that a lot of certified teachers are terrified of this age group, and I quickly realized why! It was intimating at first, but then I ended up loving it. We all remember how terrible our middle school experiences were.. I was determined though to make the students' day better and remind them that this awkward time is only temporary. How did I show my students that I was there for them? Music! I would sing to the students regularly and we had excellent music discussions addressing mental health. I didn’t tell the students my clinical background and music experiences unless they asked. Once they heard about music therapy, SO many students had “lightbulb” moments. I truly feel that some of these students will go into this field, which is so exciting for northern Michigan. We need more music therapists!
Anyway, to the real point of this post… what am I up to now?!? Well, I’m about to finish up my internship experience working with adults who have traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. This experience has been absolutely phenomenal. I could talk about this for hours.. so if anyone has any questions about music therapy in this field, please reach out to me!
As of now, I don’t have a clear statement for my next steps after internship. All I know is that I want to practice music therapy and inspire others. I am passionate about starting a music therapy program within the schools, neurological rehabilitation centers, starting my own private practice, working in hospice, etc. I wish there was a “one size fits all” facility, but that might be where I start a private practice. In the meantime, I will become board-certified and continue living life to the fullest. Xx
Comments