POST: what is your advice to Seniors that are just graduating and heading off to college for dance? What should they do over the summer? What should they bring? etc
Wow just to think that my first year of college is over. This time has flown by so fast, and has had all too many ups and downs. Upon coming to UNCSA, I told myself that I wanted to get involved as much as I can, and I can say that I successfully did that. I was involved with Student Government Association, I served as a Student Ambassador for the university, as well as just built connections with so many different types of people. It was a struggle at times to stay motivated, I will admit. There were some days where I woke up and did not want to get out of my bed. There were days I was sick and tired of being surrounded by artists, I just wanted to branch out. After a while depending on the major/group of people, the conversation can all be the same. For example: Talking about dance with dance majors, some complex over analytical theory about a film with filmmakers, thought on the structure of certain pieces or various composers with music majors, etc. But then I had to take a step back and breathe. I had to remember why I love what I do, and why I am really grateful to be here. Being able to be surrounded by so many artists and be inspired and amazed by their work. Everything this year has been so worth it. I have experienced freedom, and the ability to think outside of the box.
And for seniors that are graduating, I know you guys are probably counting down to the days that you get to go off and explore, but I will tell you to make sure you are taking full advantage of this rest period and really enjoying yourself. I highly recommend getting a job that is if you don’t already have one. One of the quickest things that you will discover is that you will begin to go onto a very tight budget. And there will be times when you will need stuff suddenly (new tights, shoes, stage makeup as needed for a specific role, laundry detergent, food, etc.), so if very important to develop good spending habits (and habits just in general). It is also important to know how to do your own laundry, as a dance major we have 3 times the amount of laundry as normal college students. We have our class room attire, warm-ups, and then what we actually wear during the day/night, or if we go out with friends. You will not believe how many people I have had to help with laundry, it is a very important skill to have. I would also spend the summer preparing for your future. I highly recommend looking at internships, substitute teaching, or going to summer intensives. There are so many summer dance programs out there, and they serve as great opportunities to build a professional network. The dance world is quite a small one and you will discover a chain of connections that could help you get a step ahead into your career. But my last and final thing to say to you all, is don’t be afraid to be open and explore. Don’t be afraid to branch out and do something out of the ordinary or to try something new, or a new way of doing things. You are in college to learn, and branching out and opening your mind will allow you to learn that much more. I wish the Class of 2015 nothing but the best. I hope you all excel in what you do, but don’t be afraid to fail. I hope that you guys let nothing shake you. You stand up strong and remember why you are where you are and where you want to go. Keep your head up especially when it get tough. But most importantly… FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS… NO MATTER WHAT!
Looking in the Mirror
Wow just to think that my first year of college is over. This time has flown by so fast, and has had all too many ups and downs. Upon coming to UNCSA, I told myself that I wanted to get involved as much as I can, and I can say that I successfully did that. I was involved with Student Government Association, I served as a Student Ambassador for the university, as well as just built connections with so many different types of people. It was a struggle at times to stay motivated, I will admit. There were some days where I woke up and did not want to get out of my bed. There were days I was sick and tired of being surrounded by artists, I just wanted to branch out. After a while depending on the major/group of people, the conversation can all be the same. For example: Talking about dance with dance majors, some complex over analytical theory about a film with filmmakers, thought on the structure of certain pieces or various composers with music majors, etc. But then I had to take a step back and breathe. I had to remember why I love what I do, and why I am really grateful to be here. Being able to be surrounded by so many artists and be inspired and amazed by their work. Everything this year has been so worth it. I have experienced freedom, and the ability to think outside of the box.
And for seniors that are graduating, I know you guys are probably counting down to the days that you get to go off and explore, but I will tell you to make sure you are taking full advantage of this rest period and really enjoying yourself. I highly recommend getting a job that is if you don’t already have one. One of the quickest things that you will discover is that you will begin to go onto a very tight budget. And there will be times when you will need stuff suddenly (new tights, shoes, stage makeup as needed for a specific role, laundry detergent, food, etc.), so if very important to develop good spending habits (and habits just in general). It is also important to know how to do your own laundry, as a dance major we have 3 times the amount of laundry as normal college students. We have our class room attire, warm-ups, and then what we actually wear during the day/night, or if we go out with friends. You will not believe how many people I have had to help with laundry, it is a very important skill to have. I would also spend the summer preparing for your future. I highly recommend looking at internships, substitute teaching, or going to summer intensives. There are so many summer dance programs out there, and they serve as great opportunities to build a professional network. The dance world is quite a small one and you will discover a chain of connections that could help you get a step ahead into your career. But my last and final thing to say to you all, is don’t be afraid to be open and explore. Don’t be afraid to branch out and do something out of the ordinary or to try something new, or a new way of doing things. You are in college to learn, and branching out and opening your mind will allow you to learn that much more. I wish the Class of 2015 nothing but the best. I hope you all excel in what you do, but don’t be afraid to fail. I hope that you guys let nothing shake you. You stand up strong and remember why you are where you are and where you want to go. Keep your head up especially when it get tough. But most importantly… FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS… NO MATTER WHAT!
Comments
Post a Comment