The answer to the popular question...

As you may know, I recently graduated with a degree in Music Education. A question that I've heard over and over...

"What are you going to do with that degree?"

Some other things I've heard include:

"So, you want to be, like, a band director or something?"

"You know, music is the first thing to go in schools these days."

"Mmm...good luck finding a teaching job, much less a music teaching job, out there in this economy."

While all of the above are reasonable and somewhat truthful questions or statements, you can imagine my mood upon entering this job market. I was not terribly optimistic about finding a teaching job "out there in this economy" (thus, the wedding is planned 6 weeks into the academic school year). As I prepared for student teaching at the beginning of this year, I didn't know what the future held. I didn't know where Wesley and I would live, what kind of jobs we would have, or if we would be able to eat once we got married. 

However, I am pleased to announce that I now know all those answers! Yes, there are still uncertainties, but after seeing God's faithfulness again and again, I know that He has complete control and He will provide in his perfect timing. 

So without further adieu, I present to you my story of my journey to my first career...yes, everything has a story...

Once upon a time, I went to the University of Mobile to audition for a music scholarship. My plan upon entering college was to major in piano so I could eventually build up a studio and teach lessons. However, I was encouraged to major in Music Ed so that I would have a professional degree to fall back on. I did as I was encouraged to do, and I began my journey as a Music Education major with a concentration in piano. 

Over my 4 years of studying music education, my focus shifted from teaching in a private studio setting to teaching in a public school. We had to observe teachers, write extremely detailed lesson plans about quiet and loud animals to teach piano and forte, learn how to teach every instrument group (or enough to be dangerous), learn how to teach reading in music (even though it didn't apply at all...can I get a witness?), and visit school board meetings. The program ends with student teaching in both elementary and secondary. I wanted to teach at home so that I could save some moolah, so I began to search for teachers I could intern with. 

I found a wonderful elementary music teacher to be with at a great school, and then I began my search for secondary. I had to have a teacher with a Master's degree, and that proved to more difficult than I expected. I tried to avoid band, not because I don't enjoy band, but because it's just not my thing. I saw online that a school in Dothan had a music teacher that taught guitar and piano. "Piano?! That's my concentration!" I thought. I emailed her and got more information about her class, and found out she didn't have her Master's...bummer. However, the band director at that school did, so I got permission to intern with him, and observe her as well. 

Student teaching began, and I loved elementary school. It was fun, but exhausting because I basically danced around in front of kids all day. As my time at the elementary school came to an end, I began to get nervous about middle school. I knew that middle school would be MUCH different than elementary school, and I wasn't sure if I had it in me.

However, as I went through my middle school experience, I became more and more comfortable and actually LIKED it...weird, I know. I ended my time there on a happy note, finished all my requirements for school, and graduated on May 14th, not sure of what I would do in the fall. 

Since graduation, things have fallen into place. I interviewed for an elementary job, but didn't get it. However, only a couple days later I found out that the position for piano and guitar at the middle school where I did my internship had opened up. I applied, prayed, and waited. 

DRUM ROLL.....As of Monday, July 18th, I am officially a piano and guitar teacher at the middle school! Yes, you read correctly... I have a job! I will be teaching 6 periods of piano and guitar classes to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my life, and so humbled by the opportunities that God has given me. I can look back and clearly see His hand at work over the past 4 years to get me where I am now. 

As for the other uncertainties that I had previously concerning shelter and food, I now know what the future holds...at least the near future. Wesley and I will be staying in our hometown area and renting a house, and as for food, we will be able to eat! Not only will we be able to afford food, but we might be decent cooks after all...only time will tell.

So the next time someone asks what I majored in, proceeded by the "What are you going to do with that degree?" question, I have the answer. I will teach middle school guitar and piano. 

Until next time, 

the Music Teacher,
Mrs. Wells (Oh, did I mention they're going to start me as Mrs. Wells? because they are...:))