- Hard doesn’t mean impossible: I have always compartmentalized my life into two categories; things I’m good at, and things I’m going to quit because I’m not good at them. This worked fine until I wasn’t good at the one thing I thought I was good at. Looking back now, my freshman year wasn’t that bad, but I had grown accustomed to quitting hard situations, and this time I couldn’t.
- Research, listen to other’s advice, then do what you want to do: Only you know what you’re capable of doing. Whenever someone starts the sentence, “I don’t think that’s possible.” I zone out because I’m planning how I’m going to get it done.
- Use the term friend loosely, very loosely: I’m pretty much disgusted with people. Everyone wants something in college, and once they get it.. they’re done being your friend. Some people seem fine one day and don’t know you the next. If I have money for food, my friends have money for food. However, some of these same people won’t swipe me into the dining hall if I leave my card in my room. I don’t expect anything from people, but if I’m sick with pneumonia, I like to think you’d go with me to get my medicine. (just saying) Some friends are happy for you; some are not. I have friends that are “Christians,” but the friends that don’t know Jesus have shown me the most Christian love. I know everyone, but very few people know me.
- Attack your weaknesses: When we start to attack our weaknesses, we realize that they’re not weaknesses, they just needed a little practice. Public speaking scared me at one point. Now I’m confident in my ability to speak to an audience and get a few laughs. Aural Skills still really scares me, but I can do a little “something-something” when it comes to sight-reading. To be honest, people scare me. I have to make myself talk to people. The more I do it, the more comfortable I become and don’t stare at others like a deer in headlights. (see extroverted introvert)
- You shouldn’t party every weekend, but you shouldn’t stay in either: I’m not a partier, something about being in a room with sweaty people doesn’t seem appealing or hygienic. However, I had an epiphany last year. I was so worried about failing that I didn’t enjoy the non- school part of school. I stopped going to everything cold-turkey. I occasionally go to events now, so I have a few fun stories for my children. I also learned that as an artist my fun stories might not sound like other college students. Soundcheck is fun, too!!
- Be you: I compress a lot of emotions because I don’t like upsetting people. However, I learned people don’t like me more or less for doing this, so I might as well tell them how I feel. In pageants, it’s easy to feel like I have to say the right answer, but I’ve always searched for my truth with the questions I’ve been asked. Pageants have made me analyze myself a great idea. I always think, “is that how I feel?” or “why did I do that?” Sometimes analyzing is good. Sometimes I stare at my phone for 15 mins to send a one-word response.
- Make them believe: I love proving people wrong. It excites me almost as much as performing. Actions speak louder than words.
- Ask, and ye shall receive: My mom scared me when I was younger. She told me “shy people don’t make it in life.” Things started to change in my life when I asked for what I wanted. Asking for what you want could be as simple as me wanting a single room and getting it after the school said none were available. Just ask, and when people say no… ask their boss.
- Don’t wait until you’re “good,” do it now: I went through a sucky (there’s no better way to explain it) feeling last semester. I thought I needed to be better. I realized that’s a good place to be in a way. Yes, I do need to be better. Yes, I should continue to work harder. But if I keep waiting until I’m “good,” life is going to pass me by, and I’ll still be waiting to get “good.”
- God has already worked it out: Big faith and a little practice go a long way. I remember the Christmas break of my freshman year. I was so distraught about my grades that I couldn’t pack myself up to go home. I didn’t go Christmas shopping that year. My mom and I love Christmas shopping!! I was acting CRAZY!!! For what? God had already worked it, and here I am.
Carlehr Swanson
taking music to those that need it most…
10 Things I Learned Before Senior Year
Carlehr Swanson 