So it's coming close, Ladies and Gentleman - I need to pick a college.
If you recall (or perhaps you can go back a few pages) in my first entry I made a list of things I want to do. Somewhere down that list was pick a college
Yeah, it's about time. I am between two very good schools:
Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Wherever I go, it will be for music education. That I am sure of - my desire to teach is strengthening every time I lead sectionals and every time I go to work on Saturday. I know that as far as careers are concerned, that is the path that is calling me.
The question is what I want to be at College.
I have heard that Luther, due to size, is somewhat like High School. A slight worry, but I need an environment where I feel comfortable asking my teachers questions, and I know that's something I can do there. Eau Claire is bigger, but still small enough that class sizes are about as big as my high school's (disregarding gen. eds) So there's question number one: The Environment, Public or Private?
Here's question two: My faith. Both Decorah and Eau Claire have opportunities for me to attend Catholic mass regularly. I'm sure there are religious clubs and people at Eau Claire, but I'm sure there are more at Luther. But will I get crap for being Catholic? I don't want to clash over the Protestant Reformation, although I have my own thoughts about Martin Luther that some people may not appreciate, I guess. I don't know if I will have a better opportunity to grow in faith in a community not based on faith, or a community that is. I certainly don't want to be in a position where people have a "holier than thou" attitude about it- My faith is private, precious and personal. I don't want to be around people who expect me to prove it by doing things, know what I mean? I live my faith, but the only One I must prove my faith to is the Father Almighty- and He sees. He knows my heart already- so I will do as He asks, but only as He asks. Father Healy once told me not to let anyone get in the way of my relationship with Jesus- and I don't want people to make me feel like I'm not doing enough.
Question three is this: In Music Education, which is more important: the music or the education? I know that Eau Claire has some fine instructors and nice choirs....but Luther is, frankly, world renowned and the best. THE best. Nordic is the best choir I've heard in my life, and I want to be a part of that.
Eau Claire is considered to be "more prestigious" than Luther in Education - it takes a higher GPA and ACT score to get in, and I don't want to be not challenged at Luther. I think I know where I stand on this one though- I want to have the best musical influence I can, because in the end, that is what I am teaching.
And here's the dumbest issue of all : Money. Money Money Money. I don't have any and Luther is expensive. Eau Claire would be very easy to get through as far as loans...as a music teacher, I don't think I'll get out of paying loans at Luther for a while. I don't want to make my parents spend soooo much money on me- I would be content at Eau Claire, so why not pick it? But isn't Luther worth it, for all that it is?
I have been sitting on this issue not making any decisions because I've been expecting some kind of divine revelation. Yet somehow, I don't know if it's going to be spelled out for me - maybe I have to make the decision. My heart takes preference in Luther- so I should go for it...
I don't know what I'm waiting for.
And here's a tangent for the day, for those of you who enjoy them: The more I take Biology classes, the stronger I feel in faith. It just seems to me that there is too much proof in the world, too much order to be random. There MUST be divinity, because every living thing speaks His glory- seriously, the periodic table of elements? Too much organization to be a random combustion. Faith does not contradict reason and I am so happy I see that.
Peace, Love and Rebirth (it is spring, after all) -
-Lauren Elizabeth
post script: Thank you to my anonymous commenter (I'm assuming you are one person?) I very much appreciate your comments and encouragement. I owe you a pizza. In answer to your comment, its not that I am questioning all love, just parts of love. Things like the differences between romantic love and other love. I'm sure I will write about it sooner or later.
You should all follow his/her example and perhaps you will all receive pizza someday.
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1 comment:
I can tell you there are for sure at least two of us anonymous people, unfortunately I do not get the pizza.
I'll try to advise in the same order your concerns were brought.
1)Size: When it comes to music majors, especially music education, the field is small enough and specialized enough that no matter where you go, whether it is private or a large public institution, the classes are small enough that you should feel comfortable asking questions.
2)Faith: In my opinion, faith is completely personal. You do not want to put yourself in a position where you are not exposed to people of other faiths and beliefs, that will only limit you. At the same time, look for some place that you will find comfortable with your own faith. Your faith can and will grow anywhere that you are as long as thats what you want, there is spirituality all around us, even for those who don't subscribe to a belief.
3)Music v. Ed: Knowing your subject is always extremely important. However, it does not matter how knowledgeable you are if you cannot teach well. There is a balance there that you will need to find on your own, but you do not want to be the teacher that is not helpful and cannot impart their knowledge onto their students.
4)Money: Its important, you don't want to live your life in debt. That being said, I'm sure that you can find a way to make it work, and happiness should come before money. Then again, I believe that you can make your own happiness wherever you want as long as you believe you can.
I hope this helps you think a bit. Stop waiting for a sign because all the right signs will come from you.
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