Which academic subject did you learn the most from in high school? How has it shaped your education?
Written by Kristen Feaster
The academic subject I learnt the most from in school is music. It has taught me to be sensitive and caring towards others, because one never know what a person is dealing with at anytime of the day. Music is extremely therapeutic and I know that when I sing or play piano it is soothing to the soul. My motivation for a degree in music is the thirst for knowledge and my desire to contribute to the growth of my country and other aspiring musicians. For the past ten years, I have wanted to pursue music. To reach my ultimate goal, I realize I must complete eight years of college, which will begin in the fall of 2017. I am very excited about my future and feel that with the opportunities provided to me, I can achieve my dream and help others along the way. Nothing would make me happier than working in this career field.
I am from a very musical family who pursued music as a profession and will be sure to get educational advice and tips from them. Being in middle school and high school has taught me how to be persistent with my commitment to my passion. In 2014, I was able to be a part of the development of a new a cappella group which was implemented as a class in the curriculum. My current music director is always pushing me to do better. I learned early on that the key to success was to be adaptable and this is a characteristic that I possess. It has helped me to adapt to differing teaching styles in my academic career and various challenges in my life. Currently I’m in three of the schools choirs, president and vice president of two. As of now, this is my job and I take pride in accomplishing this task.
This scholarship will be extremely valuable in helping me achieve my goals because I am being raised by my mom who is struggling to help me succeed. Finally, I look forward to the day when I can teach music to middle and high school students along with implementing music therapy into the lives of those in need, as I become the professional who has completed all the necessary training for success.
About Kristen
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kristen Feaster and l will be a freshman this year at Frostburg State University where I will major in Music Education with a minor in Psychology. I am from the rich cultures of Barbados and the United States. These diverse cultures have taught me to be open-minded and accepting of people from all walks of life. I am a hardworking, seventeen-year-old with serious plans and goals for my life.
- What has been your best experience in school?
When St. Charles High opened during my sophomore year, it opened without a Show Choir, so we decided to make it a club. We met twice a week for thirty minutes during our one-hour lunch. Because of our motivation to be in and keep the club going, it was implemented in the curriculum as a class for the following year. During that year, Show Choir performed in an a cappella competition called SingStrong and placed third. That was my best experience in high school.
- What influenced your choice in major?
My choice of major is my genuine love for music and being around kids. During the summers I am able to volunteer at recreational centers for four to five weeks, working with kids aged five to twelve, because I enjoy working with children. I considered this my first job-like experience. When I was working on site, I saw the need for children wanting to learn and succeed, so it was a pleasure for me to help them as much as I could with any obstacle that may come their way.
- How do you envision yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself having graduated college and started my career as a music teacher in middle and high school. I hope to eventually earn my Master’s Degree in Music Therapy. Music has had such a large impact on my life and I want to be able to help others smile through music. Also I want to be a mentor to other children and serving in my community.
- What do you hope to learn from your school experience?
While in college, I want to learn different ways to teach my students, not just what to teach them. I desire to be a teacher whom the students appreciate because of my different teaching styles. I want them to feel like they are actually learning. I also expect take an active role in my classes, stay focused, earn good grades knowing how to utilize my free time, obey the rules of the school, show up to classes on time, work with others to get things accomplished while knowing that I have the support of my family. I believe it is my responsibility to do excellently in college, be the best music teacher, rear students to become the best adults they can be in today’s society once I’ve completed my degree.
- What extracurricular activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy being able to interact with students from different schools, spend time with my friends at music competitions, play piano, relax during downtime with my family, and be totally worry-free during school outings. I think that it is important for me to be a well-rounded person so that I can be my best and give my best.
