For me, the end of an academic year brings much reflection. No matter what happened during the year, I ended it as a different person than when it began. Every student goes through these changes regardless of what school they attend, what degree they’re pursuing, or what year in school they’re in. This period of reflection is especially important for graduating seniors. They entered college as a teenager fresh out of high school, and four years later, they have grown and developed into an adult about to enter the workforce. In this article, you will read the reflections of two graduating seniors on what lessons they learned and wish they knew as younger students.
The first reflection is from Jenna Brown, a senior music education major at The University of Alabama. “Coming into UA, I did not know about all of the options there were for music education majors. For music education, we are certified K-12. I came into my degree wanting to only do band, but I’m leaving wanting to do all things. This has inspired me to pursue a career in general music. Another thing that I have learned throughout my degree is that everything is transferable. I may learn something in my clarinet lessons that could be applicable in choir and vice versa. My advice is to do all you can. You never know when you might find something you absolutely love. Lastly, always be open to learning and growing.”
The second reflection is from Mark Sayler, a senior double majoring in music education and tuba performance at The University of South Alabama. “The main thing I think I learned in college was how to say ‘no.’ I entered college as a multifaceted instrumentalist and singer and wanted to do everything. I wanted to play in every ensemble and perform with every group, but that was very unrealistic. You need to reserve your time in college for yourself, for personal practice, and even for work. You need to reserve time for your friends and deserve time to eat. It’s best to leave college a complete human, not an empty, burnt-out shell that worked themself to death. Enjoy college and grow fully!”
No matter what year you are in, I hope you remember to reflect on how you have developed and grown this past year and how you can use this momentum to create for the future.
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