I’m halfway through the semester and haven’t cried yet. Look at God! My classes are going well. I joined some new ensembles. You know, getting it poppin. Do you believe in the theory of 3? As in you’re three people away from your breakthrough. I never paid much attention to it until this semester. Last semester, to sum everything up, I was hurt that I wasn’t the best and I wasn’t doing what I came here to do… PERFORM! Yes, I was performing at all the ethnic events, but I wanted more lol. I wanted to be recognized within my department.
Last semester, I had to observe a teacher for my Art of Teaching Music Class. I went to the music website, and I found this one lady. I started reading her bio and it said she worked with the Winans. THE WINANS! (They’re my favorite gospel group, ever) That’s all my mom listened to! I thought to myself, this lady must be down. I go to the observation to “observe”, and I’m in love. At this point, I’m thinking,” How do I take voice lessons?” How do I get involved?” This lady is it. Somehow. I’m not sure how, though. It breaks down even more. The student that was being taught in the lesson also sang with me in the University Chorale. I talked to her about voice lessons, and she told me to join the Jazz Vocal Ensemble. Still not thinking about any of this at all that happened last semester.
During Christmas break, I get an email for auditions. I fill it out. I don’t know any jazz standards. Wait. I do. “Summertime”, my talent song from Miss Virginia. I audition with it. I get in. Look at God! Wow, the same song that someone thought needed a lot of work. (upside down emoji) Since then I’ve started taking voice lessons with the same teacher. I’m somewhat obsessed, but I have to act normal. (I’m still new) Let’s backtrack. I was asked to do an assignment for one teacher, met the “hip” voice teacher, which opened a discussion with the student about the ensemble. 3 people huh? You can call that a little break through if you want to, but I’ve had teachers ask, “Are you sure you want to do music”? Therefore, no breakthrough is little. Shall I continue….
I knew church would be one of my main priorities in college. Especially since the devil be busy here. (sips tea) Way back when I sang in the gospel choir for about two weeks. I didn’t know where I could go to church, but evidently everybody there did. Catholic Ministries had called me, but I’m not Catholic so… I don’t even remember who I followed, but I tagged along with someone to Uchurch. I got there. The songs were eh. I was by myself because my friends were eh. I went a couple of more times with my friend Jaira, and then it happened…. I met a boy. I already knew this boy from Instagram, but I digress lol… Here I was worshipping the Lord, and here comes a boy. A very persistent boy that wouldn’t stop talking. We talked for a couple of days then he annoyed me, so I was like bye. (knowing me, I probably didn’t say anything) I was something else at the beginning of the semester. Those Instagram likes really made my head big.
How random is this? He posted a video on Snapchat of him at dinner. Being the friendly person I am, I suggested he should bring me food. Bold right? I didn’t even text the poor fellow back. And of course, his response was, “But you can’t text back”. Long story short, I texted him back, and now we date. God doesn’t want us to compromise. I always knew if I didn’t compromise, God would place me in a relationship where I wouldn’t have to. (read between the lines, fam) He cares about my classes, performances, eating habits, pageants, sleeping patterns, everything really lol. Don’t let me say I have a sore throat. Most importantly, he cares about my faith. HE PRAYS FOR ME!!! I don’t know about you, but I love a man that can pray lol.
I dreamed about a boy like this, but I didn’t think he existed. My mom loves him too unless it’s after 10 o’clock ha-ha. His dedication to the Lord and Church is undeniable and makes me want to do more. Last semester, I didn’t really care about a small group. I went two times maybe. I didn’t think it was important. However, it’s a more intimate teaching of the word and since Corey leads a small group, it’s unacceptable for me to not be a part of one. (his exact words)
What I truly love about my small group is the friendship and sisterhood. I never had a group of girls that would pray for me, and text me throughout the day making sure I was okay. I never had friends that were seeking God like me. I never had someone to search for shops that did weave in Fairfax while I’m in class, and send me all the numbers. Liz, you’re my girl! College is the last place I thought I would find a group of Christian friends, that are cool. I don’t care what you say, everyone wants hip friends. From the one random person, I followed to church, Corey, and now a group of loving Christian friends. There you have it, the theory of three. This was just a quick synopsis of what’s going on, no Marvin Gaye. Please don’t find Corey on social media, we’ll block you.
Carlehr Swanson 