Dear Life,
It has recently come to my attention that today is my birthday. Well, that is false, not the fact that it is my birthday, but the fact that I just realized it. I noticed about two weeks ago how rapidly June was approaching. Nevertheless, it is now June 6th, D-day. I have successfully survived 23 years of life on earth. I've done high school, attacked college, and now I can safely say that I am ready to enter the world as a big girl. Wow, kinda scary. Currently I live at home with my parents, and before you say how lame that is (because let's be honest that is soo LAME) I would like to point out that in 9 days I will be moving out into my own apartment. Shortly thereafter I will start my job. Which I am completely excited for. But look at me, I'm rambling. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello. So that you know I'm on my way, and that you better look out. :)
Sincerely,
Me
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Rain, Rain, Go Away...
Dear Storms,
While the smell of rain is the most beautiful scent in the entire universe, I have to admit this is a bit extreme. Tornados, 80 MPH gusts of wind, lightning, thunder...it is ridiculous. I just wish it would be sunny! My body does not know what is going on. I wake up at 8, and it feels like it is the middle of the night because it is so dark and cloudy. Not to mention what this does to my moods. Poor Geo, stuck in a house with all girls while all it does is rain. So I'm really asking you for his sake. GO AWAY!! I'd like a little sun, and how is the pool supposed to be open anyway? You are cheating millons of little children out of their summer! Now is the time for popsicles, life jackets, and way too much sunscreen. And don't even get me started on grilling hot dogs and burgers. Although I probably shouldn't complain too much, since we both know how much I hate the heat. So for now I'll keep my grumbling to a minimum and settle for the occasional sun peeking through the clouds. If you can manage it. :)
Cordially,
me
While the smell of rain is the most beautiful scent in the entire universe, I have to admit this is a bit extreme. Tornados, 80 MPH gusts of wind, lightning, thunder...it is ridiculous. I just wish it would be sunny! My body does not know what is going on. I wake up at 8, and it feels like it is the middle of the night because it is so dark and cloudy. Not to mention what this does to my moods. Poor Geo, stuck in a house with all girls while all it does is rain. So I'm really asking you for his sake. GO AWAY!! I'd like a little sun, and how is the pool supposed to be open anyway? You are cheating millons of little children out of their summer! Now is the time for popsicles, life jackets, and way too much sunscreen. And don't even get me started on grilling hot dogs and burgers. Although I probably shouldn't complain too much, since we both know how much I hate the heat. So for now I'll keep my grumbling to a minimum and settle for the occasional sun peeking through the clouds. If you can manage it. :)
Cordially,
me
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Four Years Later
Dear Hastings College,
Hello! It's me. Just wanted to say that after a crazy, awesome, sometimes frustrating four year relationship I'm sorry it has to end this way. A letter. Well, at least it is better than a text. Or a voicemail even. That's what I tell myself to make me feel better. But on the other hand, this is on the internet where the entire world can see it if they so choose (though who knows why anyone would be reading my blog anyway), so maybe a text would be more humane. Anway...
While we will no longer be together, I would like to point out that these past four years have been the best of my life. I walk away from all this wearing a snazzy cap and gown, with a fancy little medal from being an awesome music major and some chords from being awesome swinging around my neck, diploma in hand. It is not without joy and sadness that I look back at all our times together. I made some great friends, and have some exceptionally great memories. There are way too many to even try to mention, so I'll just say a few. Crazy music majors, all day marching band fiascos where the best part of the game was the halftime show (of course), great concerts/recitals, late night Amigos runs, falling in love, freaky fast JJ deliveries, printers that NEVER EVER work, Law and Order Marathons, never sitting with less than 12 people at lunch/supper, discovering how awesome librarians are, watching all 7 seasons of House, three years of being an RA in an all girls dorm (enough said), and the fact that my team is probably the best team ever!! I've met so many great people, and my only regret is that I cannot stay even longer to get to know all my new friends better.
The great thing about life is that it changes, so even though we are breaking up Hastings College, this is not the end. I shall be stalking you, and all my friends, on a regular basis (at least until school starts up again). Then I will be busy oiling valves, picking gum out of clarinets, and pretending to fix flutes when in all reality I have no idea what to do with those crazy instruments. So I'm going to cry these next few days, because I am going to miss you. I'm going to miss the comfort of being safe. At HC I knew what/who I was. I had friends and I was able to do what I loved to do 24/7. I will miss the safety of the professors. I could always count on them to help with whatever I needed. Their guidance, patience, and joy of teaching all us crazy music majors has shaped me into the wonderful teacher I just know has been waiting to emerge. Over the past four years we have fallen in love, you and I, and it is breaking my heart to have to leave. But I know it is for the best (plus with the cost of tuition I'd have to change my major so I could get a job that would actually pay the bills)!!
"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime...when you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person"
--Unknown
You , good old HC, have come into my life for a lifetime. It has been an outstanding four years, and I know that I will continue to be on the fringes of HC for many years to come. The great thing about leaving, is that there are plenty more HC alums out there. I've already met three in my new home, which doesn't sound too impressive, but I was still excited. :) When something this good happens to you, I've learned that it is best to soak it all up and enjoy the ride. So while my ride is technically over, the friends who have become family will stay with me the rest of my life.
So I bid you adieu Hastings College. I will never forget you, and am beyond excited to start my new life in the real world. I hope you remember me, and contine to inspire students for many many many many more years.
all my love,
Kymbre Paige Lytle
Hastings College Graduate 2011 :)
Hello! It's me. Just wanted to say that after a crazy, awesome, sometimes frustrating four year relationship I'm sorry it has to end this way. A letter. Well, at least it is better than a text. Or a voicemail even. That's what I tell myself to make me feel better. But on the other hand, this is on the internet where the entire world can see it if they so choose (though who knows why anyone would be reading my blog anyway), so maybe a text would be more humane. Anway...
While we will no longer be together, I would like to point out that these past four years have been the best of my life. I walk away from all this wearing a snazzy cap and gown, with a fancy little medal from being an awesome music major and some chords from being awesome swinging around my neck, diploma in hand. It is not without joy and sadness that I look back at all our times together. I made some great friends, and have some exceptionally great memories. There are way too many to even try to mention, so I'll just say a few. Crazy music majors, all day marching band fiascos where the best part of the game was the halftime show (of course), great concerts/recitals, late night Amigos runs, falling in love, freaky fast JJ deliveries, printers that NEVER EVER work, Law and Order Marathons, never sitting with less than 12 people at lunch/supper, discovering how awesome librarians are, watching all 7 seasons of House, three years of being an RA in an all girls dorm (enough said), and the fact that my team is probably the best team ever!! I've met so many great people, and my only regret is that I cannot stay even longer to get to know all my new friends better.
The great thing about life is that it changes, so even though we are breaking up Hastings College, this is not the end. I shall be stalking you, and all my friends, on a regular basis (at least until school starts up again). Then I will be busy oiling valves, picking gum out of clarinets, and pretending to fix flutes when in all reality I have no idea what to do with those crazy instruments. So I'm going to cry these next few days, because I am going to miss you. I'm going to miss the comfort of being safe. At HC I knew what/who I was. I had friends and I was able to do what I loved to do 24/7. I will miss the safety of the professors. I could always count on them to help with whatever I needed. Their guidance, patience, and joy of teaching all us crazy music majors has shaped me into the wonderful teacher I just know has been waiting to emerge. Over the past four years we have fallen in love, you and I, and it is breaking my heart to have to leave. But I know it is for the best (plus with the cost of tuition I'd have to change my major so I could get a job that would actually pay the bills)!!
"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime...when you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person"
--Unknown
You , good old HC, have come into my life for a lifetime. It has been an outstanding four years, and I know that I will continue to be on the fringes of HC for many years to come. The great thing about leaving, is that there are plenty more HC alums out there. I've already met three in my new home, which doesn't sound too impressive, but I was still excited. :) When something this good happens to you, I've learned that it is best to soak it all up and enjoy the ride. So while my ride is technically over, the friends who have become family will stay with me the rest of my life.
So I bid you adieu Hastings College. I will never forget you, and am beyond excited to start my new life in the real world. I hope you remember me, and contine to inspire students for many many many many more years.
all my love,
Kymbre Paige Lytle
Hastings College Graduate 2011 :)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
:)
Dear Student Teaching,
Wow. We did it. 15 weeks of long days, no spring breaks, lesson planning until late, staying home, and relearning all the fingerings of each instrument...it is finally the end. This was the fastest sememster of my college career, and I've loved every second of it. The kids were challenging, talented, funny, outrageous, and just plain awesome. I enjoyed working with all 253 kids at Morton. Man, I still can't believe I learned all their names. It is just mind boggling. But we did it. It might not've been pretty, but we certainly did it. Last week was rough, planning and teaching every grade for the entire week. But I survived!
Livetext is finished, and passed!! My presentation is over, so it is all smooth sailing from here. Only three more days at the school and our relationship will be over. It's been great, it's been fun. Thanks for the great times, the awful times, the terrifying moments, and all the hugs and love from my students. It has been one great journey!
Con amor,
me :)
Wow. We did it. 15 weeks of long days, no spring breaks, lesson planning until late, staying home, and relearning all the fingerings of each instrument...it is finally the end. This was the fastest sememster of my college career, and I've loved every second of it. The kids were challenging, talented, funny, outrageous, and just plain awesome. I enjoyed working with all 253 kids at Morton. Man, I still can't believe I learned all their names. It is just mind boggling. But we did it. It might not've been pretty, but we certainly did it. Last week was rough, planning and teaching every grade for the entire week. But I survived!
Livetext is finished, and passed!! My presentation is over, so it is all smooth sailing from here. Only three more days at the school and our relationship will be over. It's been great, it's been fun. Thanks for the great times, the awful times, the terrifying moments, and all the hugs and love from my students. It has been one great journey!
Con amor,
me :)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Don't Stop Believin'
Dear Journey,
You are awesome. Don't Stop Believin' is my most favorite song of all times. I sing it all the time, in the shower, at karaoke, in the streets, in my car, whenever/wherever. It doesn't matter, because it is the best song ever.
I find it fitting that one of the most exciting things to happen to me involves this song. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so let's rewind a few days...
Last week after getting rejection letters 7-9 I was feeling particularly blue. Things were looking up because the following Thursday I had an interview in a tiny little Nebraskan town to teach K-12 vocal/instrumental music. So I was excited about that prospect. Then, out of nowhere, I recieve a call from a high school principal. They just opened up their band position and were making it public via the weekend edition of the Omaha World Herald (PS I got this phone call on a Wednesday). They wanted me to interview!! Talk about your picker-uper. :) I hadn't even applied! Surely this was a good sign! So I gathered my credential files and transcripts and off they went. Woohoo!! So now I had two job interviews on one day. Oh boy, was I excited.
Now comes the exciting part. My first job interview went extremely well. I really liked the high school principal and the middle school principal. The job would be for grades 6-12 band. The community is very supportive of the arts. All in all, I walked away from the interview feeling very good about things. It was about 11:30 in the morning, and on my way I continued to my next interview. My interview was scheduled for 3:30 PM, my time. The town is in a different time zone than Hastings, so I tried to make sure I was in the right place at the right time. My phone didn't switch time, like it usually does, so for a few minutes there I wasn't sure exactly what time it was. About then I recieved a phone call. I panicked, thinking that I was late to my interview and they were calling to make sure I was coming. So I answer the phone all flustered and nervous. It was the principal from my first interview. They wanted to hire me!! You cannot believe how ecstatic I was. :) :) :) So I went to my second interview all high off endorphins and whatnot. The town was small, and the school very neat. I met a lot of cool people. The main draw for me was the chance to work with all grade levels. But I still had to think about the job offer.
So I journeyed the four hours back to Hastings very excited, and thinking about one of the most important decisions of my life. All in all it was a very long day.
After much thought and discussion with my family and Benjamin, today I called back and accepted the job. :) My contract has been signed, and I officially have a job!!! Yay!! It was an important decision, and I was worried that I was rushing into it. After all, it was my first job offer. However, I realized that this was exactly where I was supposed to be. Things just fell into place, and it always amazes me how God works. The icing on the cake was something that happened during my interview. We went for a tour of the band room and walked through the auditorium. The choir was practicing for their concert that night. We are walking through the aisles and I hear the opening verse to Don't Stop Believin' and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. It was absolutely perfect. One day, when a movie is made about my awesome life, this is going to be one of the best scenes. :)
So, thirteen rejection letters and eight weeks later I have finally found my place. Now I just have to find somewhere to live, move all my junk, and start my journey. I am beyond excited.
Sincerely,
a small town girl
You are awesome. Don't Stop Believin' is my most favorite song of all times. I sing it all the time, in the shower, at karaoke, in the streets, in my car, whenever/wherever. It doesn't matter, because it is the best song ever.
I find it fitting that one of the most exciting things to happen to me involves this song. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so let's rewind a few days...
Last week after getting rejection letters 7-9 I was feeling particularly blue. Things were looking up because the following Thursday I had an interview in a tiny little Nebraskan town to teach K-12 vocal/instrumental music. So I was excited about that prospect. Then, out of nowhere, I recieve a call from a high school principal. They just opened up their band position and were making it public via the weekend edition of the Omaha World Herald (PS I got this phone call on a Wednesday). They wanted me to interview!! Talk about your picker-uper. :) I hadn't even applied! Surely this was a good sign! So I gathered my credential files and transcripts and off they went. Woohoo!! So now I had two job interviews on one day. Oh boy, was I excited.
Now comes the exciting part. My first job interview went extremely well. I really liked the high school principal and the middle school principal. The job would be for grades 6-12 band. The community is very supportive of the arts. All in all, I walked away from the interview feeling very good about things. It was about 11:30 in the morning, and on my way I continued to my next interview. My interview was scheduled for 3:30 PM, my time. The town is in a different time zone than Hastings, so I tried to make sure I was in the right place at the right time. My phone didn't switch time, like it usually does, so for a few minutes there I wasn't sure exactly what time it was. About then I recieved a phone call. I panicked, thinking that I was late to my interview and they were calling to make sure I was coming. So I answer the phone all flustered and nervous. It was the principal from my first interview. They wanted to hire me!! You cannot believe how ecstatic I was. :) :) :) So I went to my second interview all high off endorphins and whatnot. The town was small, and the school very neat. I met a lot of cool people. The main draw for me was the chance to work with all grade levels. But I still had to think about the job offer.
So I journeyed the four hours back to Hastings very excited, and thinking about one of the most important decisions of my life. All in all it was a very long day.
After much thought and discussion with my family and Benjamin, today I called back and accepted the job. :) My contract has been signed, and I officially have a job!!! Yay!! It was an important decision, and I was worried that I was rushing into it. After all, it was my first job offer. However, I realized that this was exactly where I was supposed to be. Things just fell into place, and it always amazes me how God works. The icing on the cake was something that happened during my interview. We went for a tour of the band room and walked through the auditorium. The choir was practicing for their concert that night. We are walking through the aisles and I hear the opening verse to Don't Stop Believin' and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. It was absolutely perfect. One day, when a movie is made about my awesome life, this is going to be one of the best scenes. :)
So, thirteen rejection letters and eight weeks later I have finally found my place. Now I just have to find somewhere to live, move all my junk, and start my journey. I am beyond excited.
Sincerely,
a small town girl
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Life Plan: Live in my Parent's Basement and Become a Hobo
Dear Job Market,
Hello, it's me again. It's been almost a month since we last visited. Four weeks, three interviews, followed by three non-job offers via phone call, and six rejection letters later and this girl is still jobless. I am quite disappointed. So far nothing is working out, so I am just trying to stay positive. Luckily I have wonderful friends who are very encouraging and supportive, especially Benjamin. I get so sad about these letters, and he tries to keep me positive. Usually he succeeds, I am so grateful that he's so legit.
However, being hopeful doesn't keep me from moving back home and becoming a hobo after graduation. Since it is exactly one month until graduation, the clock is ticking. I am going to find a job if it kills me! (hopefully it won't come to that). Round number two of my job applications has just been put in the mail. So let's keep our fingers crossed and our dreams intact. It hasn't been easy, but I know it's worth it.
Your friend,
a slightly discouraged, but still hopeful job seeker
Hello, it's me again. It's been almost a month since we last visited. Four weeks, three interviews, followed by three non-job offers via phone call, and six rejection letters later and this girl is still jobless. I am quite disappointed. So far nothing is working out, so I am just trying to stay positive. Luckily I have wonderful friends who are very encouraging and supportive, especially Benjamin. I get so sad about these letters, and he tries to keep me positive. Usually he succeeds, I am so grateful that he's so legit.
However, being hopeful doesn't keep me from moving back home and becoming a hobo after graduation. Since it is exactly one month until graduation, the clock is ticking. I am going to find a job if it kills me! (hopefully it won't come to that). Round number two of my job applications has just been put in the mail. So let's keep our fingers crossed and our dreams intact. It hasn't been easy, but I know it's worth it.
Your friend,
a slightly discouraged, but still hopeful job seeker
Monday, April 18, 2011
We Go Together, Like a Wink and a Smile
Dear Day Celebrating Being in a Relationship with the Same Person for One Year and Six Months,
Hello!! I know, crazy isn't it. It is hard to imagine that it has been a year and a half since Benny and I have been facebook official. Because really, it isn't official until it is on facebook, everybody knows this.
It has certainly been an entertaining 18 months. There was that time I gave up gluten for lent. Ugh, now that was beyond awful. And at the same time Ben gave up puns for let. Now that was beyond wonderful. Or the time my family came up for Easter Break and we spent most of the day hiding and looking for Easter eggs. :) The epic marathons of Law and Order, or when we successfully watched seasons 1,3,4, and 5 of House during J-term. I must also point out the many many many Sundays spent doing homework while watching football, I must say only a saint would watch the Broncos play for more than one game. Oh the things we do for love. But I suffer through. :P Partially because Benjamin is quite the catch and puts up with all my silly shenanigans, but mostly because he is adorable and I love him. He is also a music major. We are quite the pair, if I do say so myself.
Currently I am sitting in my room being on duty. While my significant other is sitting in his room being on duty. I won't even mention the fact that a certain someone forgot that today was a semi-important day. I suppose I cannot be too angry, since it isn't like it is our one year anniversary, or our two year anniversary. So I shall cut him some slack. Yeah, good thing I'm such a legit girlfriend. :P So it looks like tonight will be just the two of us, along with Beethoven and his spectacular symphonies to keep us company. That's probably a good thing. Who needs a silly boy anyway?
Love,
a very happy kymbre :)
Hello!! I know, crazy isn't it. It is hard to imagine that it has been a year and a half since Benny and I have been facebook official. Because really, it isn't official until it is on facebook, everybody knows this.
It has certainly been an entertaining 18 months. There was that time I gave up gluten for lent. Ugh, now that was beyond awful. And at the same time Ben gave up puns for let. Now that was beyond wonderful. Or the time my family came up for Easter Break and we spent most of the day hiding and looking for Easter eggs. :) The epic marathons of Law and Order, or when we successfully watched seasons 1,3,4, and 5 of House during J-term. I must also point out the many many many Sundays spent doing homework while watching football, I must say only a saint would watch the Broncos play for more than one game. Oh the things we do for love. But I suffer through. :P Partially because Benjamin is quite the catch and puts up with all my silly shenanigans, but mostly because he is adorable and I love him. He is also a music major. We are quite the pair, if I do say so myself.
Currently I am sitting in my room being on duty. While my significant other is sitting in his room being on duty. I won't even mention the fact that a certain someone forgot that today was a semi-important day. I suppose I cannot be too angry, since it isn't like it is our one year anniversary, or our two year anniversary. So I shall cut him some slack. Yeah, good thing I'm such a legit girlfriend. :P So it looks like tonight will be just the two of us, along with Beethoven and his spectacular symphonies to keep us company. That's probably a good thing. Who needs a silly boy anyway?
Love,
a very happy kymbre :)
But Why Is All the Rum Gone??
Dear Livetext,
I dislike you with a passion. Times 892842 million. Words cannot even begin to describe the depth of my hatred. So I am not even going to try. It is enough to say that I have spent the past 5 days going completely loco trying to put my Impact On Student Learning Project into my silly portfolio. And you are being very uncooperative. I was hoping we could be friends, but noo!! You have to go and prove me wrong. So I'm leaving you with a warning. IT IS ON!! You will not defeat me. I shall be the victor in this battle of minds. Because after the past three years of getting beaten and bruised, I refuse to let you have the final win. I'm too stubborn to let that happen. So as this is the final project to be put into my portfolio I am going to go out guns blazing! You just try to stop me.
Yours not so truely,
a fearless opponent
I dislike you with a passion. Times 892842 million. Words cannot even begin to describe the depth of my hatred. So I am not even going to try. It is enough to say that I have spent the past 5 days going completely loco trying to put my Impact On Student Learning Project into my silly portfolio. And you are being very uncooperative. I was hoping we could be friends, but noo!! You have to go and prove me wrong. So I'm leaving you with a warning. IT IS ON!! You will not defeat me. I shall be the victor in this battle of minds. Because after the past three years of getting beaten and bruised, I refuse to let you have the final win. I'm too stubborn to let that happen. So as this is the final project to be put into my portfolio I am going to go out guns blazing! You just try to stop me.
Yours not so truely,
a fearless opponent
Monday, April 11, 2011
To Stop The Train, In Cases of Emergency...
Dear Life,
You have certainly outdone yourself this time. I am so very blessed. I have been working with an oustanding educator, and the children are certainly entertaining. I almost forgot how much I loved working with elementary students. They are awesome. I've mostly been working with the kindergarten and second graders so far. But let me tell you, they are a handful. Reading a book? Psh, piece of cake. Hahahaha, oh how silly I was. You'd think that this part of the lesson plan would be the easiest. Not for this girl. I have more management issues during this part of the lesson than when we play loud and crazy running games! Who would've thought? I am getting better though. Children just say the strangest things. The other day I was showing the kindergarteners my horn, and telling them how I've been playing for a long time. They tried to guess how long, and one student said "I bet for 33 years!! Because you are old!". I about died of laughter. It was so funny. I always felt old, since I am almost an old maid these days at the age of 22, but I had no idea they thought I was in my 30s. Oh mercy.
But anyway, I'm just saying thanks for being so classy. I have great friends, and so far am having a blast student teaching. Plus I have a pretty legit boyfriend too. So I can honestly say that I am beyond happy right now. The only blight on my joy is the fact that I am still job searching. But that's a story for another day. Right now I am content and enjoying every minute of my crazy days.
Thankfully,
your partner in crime :)
You have certainly outdone yourself this time. I am so very blessed. I have been working with an oustanding educator, and the children are certainly entertaining. I almost forgot how much I loved working with elementary students. They are awesome. I've mostly been working with the kindergarten and second graders so far. But let me tell you, they are a handful. Reading a book? Psh, piece of cake. Hahahaha, oh how silly I was. You'd think that this part of the lesson plan would be the easiest. Not for this girl. I have more management issues during this part of the lesson than when we play loud and crazy running games! Who would've thought? I am getting better though. Children just say the strangest things. The other day I was showing the kindergarteners my horn, and telling them how I've been playing for a long time. They tried to guess how long, and one student said "I bet for 33 years!! Because you are old!". I about died of laughter. It was so funny. I always felt old, since I am almost an old maid these days at the age of 22, but I had no idea they thought I was in my 30s. Oh mercy.
But anyway, I'm just saying thanks for being so classy. I have great friends, and so far am having a blast student teaching. Plus I have a pretty legit boyfriend too. So I can honestly say that I am beyond happy right now. The only blight on my joy is the fact that I am still job searching. But that's a story for another day. Right now I am content and enjoying every minute of my crazy days.
Thankfully,
your partner in crime :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Searching
Dear Job Market,
Thank you for being not too shabby for a music educator. I have to admit, I have been terrified concerning the job hunting process. Needless to say Career Services has saved my life. So far I have a respectable resume and some classy references. That was the easy part. The tough part is finding someone who will hire me. Oh boy. I was worried that there wouldn't be very many openings, however I have been searching and there is no shortage of music jobs available. There are quite a few full time jobs opened up already, and even more part time jobs. So that made me feel a bit more at ease. Until recently...
After a month of searching, finding, applying, writing, and mailing out my credentials, the first rejection letter came today. I am not going to say I wasn't disappointed. My heart dropped and I had to remind myself to keep breathing, after all there are five more potential winners out there. So for now I shall wait, and keep my eye on future jobs. Right now it seems that everyone in senior sem has a job already, I know that isn't true. So I shall be patient and wait for the right job to come along, I just wish it would hurry up already!
Yours truely,
a hopeful job seeker
Thank you for being not too shabby for a music educator. I have to admit, I have been terrified concerning the job hunting process. Needless to say Career Services has saved my life. So far I have a respectable resume and some classy references. That was the easy part. The tough part is finding someone who will hire me. Oh boy. I was worried that there wouldn't be very many openings, however I have been searching and there is no shortage of music jobs available. There are quite a few full time jobs opened up already, and even more part time jobs. So that made me feel a bit more at ease. Until recently...
After a month of searching, finding, applying, writing, and mailing out my credentials, the first rejection letter came today. I am not going to say I wasn't disappointed. My heart dropped and I had to remind myself to keep breathing, after all there are five more potential winners out there. So for now I shall wait, and keep my eye on future jobs. Right now it seems that everyone in senior sem has a job already, I know that isn't true. So I shall be patient and wait for the right job to come along, I just wish it would hurry up already!
Yours truely,
a hopeful job seeker
Sunday, March 20, 2011
March Madness
Dear Month from Hell,
Are you trying to kill me??
While I am not an avid sports fan, I've always enjoyed March Madness. I'm a sucker for the underdog. While the tournament this year has been entertaining for me, the rest of my life can quite aptly be called March Madness as well. In the first two weeks we have had three concerts. One for each of the high school bands, and one for the 6-8th grade bands. I conducted at the Symphonic Band Concert (and of course the kids rocked it!!), and also one song for the 8th graders (yet again, they played splendidly). After all these crazy events you would think we'd have time to breathe, WRONG!
Next came our middle school festival. Let me tell you, this has been the most helpful part of student teaching so far. I've made so many copies, organized solo books, numbered each measure of jazz scores/band scores, and listened to the same six solos/duets so many times I can play them by heart. I feel like I've been sucked up by a hurricane or tornado or some sort of swirling crazy storm. I can only hope that I survive when everything is said and done. I forgot to mention the best part, traveling two hours on a bus filled with thirty-four seventh and eighth graders. I am ready for anything now.
So March Madness hit suddenly and left just as quickly. It is now my last week at the high school and middle school and I am quite sad to be leaving. My cooperating teachers were awesome, and I am going to miss their guidance. Plus they are great people to be around, so that made "learning" much more fun. I cannot believe how quickly these first 8 weeks have flown by.
But I'm a fighter, and I survived with flying colors. Just like VCU seeded #11, I fought my way through all the madness. VCU is headed to the Elite Eight and I am headed to face the world of elementary music. Looks like April should be an exciting adventure as well.
Sincerely,
me :)
Are you trying to kill me??
While I am not an avid sports fan, I've always enjoyed March Madness. I'm a sucker for the underdog. While the tournament this year has been entertaining for me, the rest of my life can quite aptly be called March Madness as well. In the first two weeks we have had three concerts. One for each of the high school bands, and one for the 6-8th grade bands. I conducted at the Symphonic Band Concert (and of course the kids rocked it!!), and also one song for the 8th graders (yet again, they played splendidly). After all these crazy events you would think we'd have time to breathe, WRONG!
Next came our middle school festival. Let me tell you, this has been the most helpful part of student teaching so far. I've made so many copies, organized solo books, numbered each measure of jazz scores/band scores, and listened to the same six solos/duets so many times I can play them by heart. I feel like I've been sucked up by a hurricane or tornado or some sort of swirling crazy storm. I can only hope that I survive when everything is said and done. I forgot to mention the best part, traveling two hours on a bus filled with thirty-four seventh and eighth graders. I am ready for anything now.
So March Madness hit suddenly and left just as quickly. It is now my last week at the high school and middle school and I am quite sad to be leaving. My cooperating teachers were awesome, and I am going to miss their guidance. Plus they are great people to be around, so that made "learning" much more fun. I cannot believe how quickly these first 8 weeks have flown by.
But I'm a fighter, and I survived with flying colors. Just like VCU seeded #11, I fought my way through all the madness. VCU is headed to the Elite Eight and I am headed to face the world of elementary music. Looks like April should be an exciting adventure as well.
Sincerely,
me :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wait, It Is Already March??
Dear Nerves,
Please behave tomorrow. Tomorrow is Thursday. Just like every other Thursday, minus the fact that this particular Thursday happens to be March 10. No big deal. You can do this. I did not think I would be this nervous. There really is no reason to be so terrified. The kids play great, they don't even need me. But in approximately 20 hours I shall conduct my first song. IN PUBLIC!! Yikes. The silly thing is that I have no reason to be nervous. So if we could all just get along for the next day that would be great. You could even take a vacation if you wanted. Yeah, a nice vacation. That sounds like a win...
Cordially,
your less nervous friend
Please behave tomorrow. Tomorrow is Thursday. Just like every other Thursday, minus the fact that this particular Thursday happens to be March 10. No big deal. You can do this. I did not think I would be this nervous. There really is no reason to be so terrified. The kids play great, they don't even need me. But in approximately 20 hours I shall conduct my first song. IN PUBLIC!! Yikes. The silly thing is that I have no reason to be nervous. So if we could all just get along for the next day that would be great. You could even take a vacation if you wanted. Yeah, a nice vacation. That sounds like a win...
Cordially,
your less nervous friend
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Band Nerd
Dear Band,
Oh how I've missed you!! I have been such a horrible friend these past few months. Here it is, the first weekend in March and we've barely spoken to each other since last semester. Not cool. I will take the blame for this one. Student teaching has driven us apart, but this past weekend has renewed our friendship.
Sometimes I don't think people realize just how important music can be. Yesterday the Hastings College Wind Ensemble played at NSBA. I don't mean to brag or anything, but we are great. It is always so much fun to be able to play with other musicicans and perform at such a high level of excellence. It is even more amazing for me to be involved since I've been at HC for four years now. It is amazing to see how the band has grown. My only regret has been that we haven't spent as much time together so far this semester. Hopefully we will find more time for each other. I know that I will try my best.
With much love,
me :)
Oh how I've missed you!! I have been such a horrible friend these past few months. Here it is, the first weekend in March and we've barely spoken to each other since last semester. Not cool. I will take the blame for this one. Student teaching has driven us apart, but this past weekend has renewed our friendship.
Sometimes I don't think people realize just how important music can be. Yesterday the Hastings College Wind Ensemble played at NSBA. I don't mean to brag or anything, but we are great. It is always so much fun to be able to play with other musicicans and perform at such a high level of excellence. It is even more amazing for me to be involved since I've been at HC for four years now. It is amazing to see how the band has grown. My only regret has been that we haven't spent as much time together so far this semester. Hopefully we will find more time for each other. I know that I will try my best.
With much love,
me :)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
What Have I Gotten Myself Into??
Dear Student Teaching,
Well, it has been three weeks. I can't say I enjoyed you at first. You were loud, busy, annoying, rude, and completely messed with my sleeping routine. However, the best part has been the kids. I am going to love being a teacher. I must admit, I was convinced that elementary teaching is what I'm going to do the rest of my life. You trickster. Now I have no idea what I want to do with my life!! This is good though, I've always heard that it is a pretty good thing when you love your job.
So now I am off to write yet another lesson plan, I seriously hope this is just one of those menial tasks you have to do while at college that you will never ever ever in a millon years do once you are out on your own. :P fingers crossed! You stay classy student teaching, and I'll try my best to keep up.
Sincerely,
me :)
Well, it has been three weeks. I can't say I enjoyed you at first. You were loud, busy, annoying, rude, and completely messed with my sleeping routine. However, the best part has been the kids. I am going to love being a teacher. I must admit, I was convinced that elementary teaching is what I'm going to do the rest of my life. You trickster. Now I have no idea what I want to do with my life!! This is good though, I've always heard that it is a pretty good thing when you love your job.
So now I am off to write yet another lesson plan, I seriously hope this is just one of those menial tasks you have to do while at college that you will never ever ever in a millon years do once you are out on your own. :P fingers crossed! You stay classy student teaching, and I'll try my best to keep up.
Sincerely,
me :)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Where to Begin
Dear Blog,
Hello. My name is Kymbre. Nice to meet you. :)
Now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, I just want you to know that I am extremely excited for our new friendship. While I am not the type of person who jumps on the bandwagon, I've finally decided to start blogging. Not because I have anything important to say, or because I am delusional and think that people will actually be dying to read about my life. Just because I want to, and mostly because my thoughts are getting too long winded for my written journals these days. Besides, after a year and a half my handwriting still looks like a kindergartener's, so this option was much more appealing. I figured what better time to start a blog than the beginning of my last semester at college. I'm sure it will be quite the adventure. We have plenty of time to get to know each other, and I just hope that you'll like me.
So far I feel like we are off to a great start.
Your new friend,
me :)
Hello. My name is Kymbre. Nice to meet you. :)
Now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, I just want you to know that I am extremely excited for our new friendship. While I am not the type of person who jumps on the bandwagon, I've finally decided to start blogging. Not because I have anything important to say, or because I am delusional and think that people will actually be dying to read about my life. Just because I want to, and mostly because my thoughts are getting too long winded for my written journals these days. Besides, after a year and a half my handwriting still looks like a kindergartener's, so this option was much more appealing. I figured what better time to start a blog than the beginning of my last semester at college. I'm sure it will be quite the adventure. We have plenty of time to get to know each other, and I just hope that you'll like me.
So far I feel like we are off to a great start.
Your new friend,
me :)
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