Carlehr Swanson

It’s official! I’ve been a college student for almost a month. The overwhelming amount of freedom was initially exciting, until I realized I have to do everything by myself!!! College is completely different from high school; the workload went from 0-100 real quick. I even had a quiz in Math…already! Surprisingly, I passed!!! (God be looking out) Music is a very time consuming major. Even though I don’t have a music class every day, there is always something going on in the Performing Arts Building. From music auditions, meetings, ensemble practices, or simply practicing for myself; there’s never a dull moment. Math is my only class on Monday and Wednesdays because the Lord knew I couldn’t handle anything after that, and he wanted me to rest my nerves. My math teacher seems very nice and willing to help. She even said I could call her Catherine. I would love to, but my mama don’t play that. My favorite class so far is “The Art of Teaching Music”. Instead of lectures, the teacher gives us hands on experience. For example, Yesterday I was instructed to act like a 6th grader. We reviewed time signature, key signature, etc.. as 6th graders. The class before she told us to bring in comic strips, we broke into groups, and had to write songs about our comic strips within the constraints she gave us with key signatures, measures etc.. as six graders. After we performed our songs, we had to critique ourselves, grade ourselves, and state the goal of the lesson.. Like we were teachers. Get it? On Tuesday and Thursday my classes are like that Drake song.. back to back. So I rush to History, usually out of breath. That woman is a ball of energy. She says she needs feedback, and I’m usually the only one giving it, because I like annoying my other classmates and making teachers like me. With a 15 minute window, I go to choir. Here’s a funny story. All my life I’ve sung Tenor, or simply with the boys during choir. I chose the University Chorale as my ensemble to broaden my horizon and get a little “cultured” lol… When I went in for my audition and the director saw tenor on the paper, she said “ABSOLUTELY NOT, LADIES DO NOT SING TENOR IN COLLEGE, YOU’LL BE SINGING 1st ALTO”. I continued to smile, but on the inside… never mind… So if I look stressed while I’m singing it’s because I’m exercising that upper register that I save for never.  After choir I have a huge break, I normally eat. Food has been the only thing keeping me sane lately. If the Freshman 15 decides to strike, I hope it goes to my butt at least. Lastly, I have music theory. I love that teacher. She’s a bit of an older lady, and I LOVE older ladies. Yesterday she asked the class what’s wrong. I said, “the heat is getting to me”. She said, “ I don’t blame you, I’ll let the class go early”. Other than stress from the previously listed classes, and my new grown up responsibilities. College is TURNT. I’ve found a great group of friends, but since we’ve been together since June I guess I didn’t really find them. My teachers know me which is something I strive for. I kind of went in head first with joining organizations, but oh well. In high school, I regret not getting involved earlier, so I was determined to do everything now. So far I’m only in Pep Band, the University Choir, Gospel Choir, BSA, and Student Media. Make sure you come out to the HIV awareness fashion show. (ya girl is performing), and I’m running for Student Senate. My social life is diminishing as we speak. I’ve found social media to be very helpful in this transition. I feel kind of famous sometimes. Especially when people say, “Hey, I follow you on Instagram”. (joking) I feel so at home here. Maybe it’s because I’m a freshman, and can’t contain myself. College is a chance to start fresh, and I want to make the best of it. I really just love the Lord like Whitney, and I’m trying to take over like Oprah. Until next time fam.. Love, Peace, and a bottle of hair grease! *cues music*