Connections

Growing up, I remember my mom encouraging me to be social. I remember seeing people that I “kind of” knew and attempting to avoid eye contact so I didn’t have to talk to them. There would always be conversation to follow between my mom and me regarding my interactions. “Why didn’t you say hi to them?” “Didn’t you use to be friends?” “all you had to do was say hi.” etc.

As I get older I realize that interacting and reaching out to people is so important. Making connections can be so life changing. And I have my mom to thank. for this realization.

For the most part I am a rather shy and introverted person. I do like the occasional social gathering, but most times I would prefer to stay in with my close family and friends. When it comes to my career, I’ve learned that in order to advocate myself as a music therapist, I HAVE to be social and make those interactions that have the potential of being “awkward.”

Making interactions like these can lead to so many new connections that can lead to new job opportunities, friendships, romantic relationships,etc. I’ve made a lot of connections over the years. Some of those connections didn’t amount to anything, but others were life changing.

As of right now, my most life changing connection occurred by working at both Apostolic Christian Restmor and the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka (ACHE). I had always been familiar with Restmor. My grandparents have lived next to it (both old and new locations) my entire life. Who knew that I would get a job there as a CNA/Activity aid, work there for 4.5 years, quit for internship, and then come back 1 year later and provide music therapy for residents in the memory care unit?

That’s just the small connection that I have. While working at both Restmor and ACHE, I met a nurse that worked at both facilities, Marie. Earlier this spring, Marie approached me and wanted to interview me for a speech she was writing about music therapy with elderly. By the end of our interview, Marie had changed her topic to why and how music therapy should be provided in school settings. Although this was just a speech, Marie took it into her own hands and reached out to the principal of her son’s school.

A few days later, I get an email to meet with said principal. Now, in August, I have completed a 3 week camp for incoming kindergarten students and have plans to work with the kindergarten and special needs classes this Fall!

If it wasn’t for these connections, I would not be working in the Washington School District (which is where I live) and would not be providing music therapy at facilities like Restmor. I believe that the school district will lead me to wonderful experiences and even more connections to make!

Now that I work for Vitas, John L. Hensey, and various nursing homes in the community, I am able to get music therapy out there. People will see me in so many different settings, and believe me, I’m ready to talk to them!

So…

get out there. talk to people. be nice. make those connections. follow up. advocate.

you never know what might come out of it.