"I highly recommend CBU because the faculty and staff are personally invested in your future success, you can make lifelong friends, and it provides plenty of opportunities for personal growth and enrichment via projects, mission trips, or other extracurricular activities. CBU will set you up to thrive!"
Quick Facts
Programs: Music - Vocal Performance & Teaching Credential Program
Graduation Year: 2003 - for Bachelors, 2007 - for teaching credential
Current Job Title: Performing Arts Instructor - K-12 lab school for the University of Florida
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Current City: Gainesville, Florida
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I chose Music as my major because I grew up with music as one of my strongest intelligences,
participating in both band and chorus classes from age 9 all the way through high
school. Once I graduated with my degree in Vocal Performance, I realized that I wanted
to return to education to complete a teaching degree so I could use my musical abilities
to instill a love for music in children as a music teacher.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I could have attended any university to achieve my degree, but I was drawn to CBU
for a few very specific reasons. During my junior year in high school, I attended
a preview weekend and had a great time learning about the school and its Christ-centered
focus. I was specifically drawn to the fact that I could actively live out my faith
in a setting that I knew would strengthen me in both my educational goals, as well
as my walk with the Lord. Performing with the CBU University Choir and Orchestra,
singing lyrics that specifically related to the Christian faith and getting to share
the love of God with others in these concerts, was a highlight of my time in the music
program.
What did you think about your professors?
I had some amazing relationships with my professors; the CBU difference was tangible.
Many of my professors would start class with prayers, and beyond just divulging information
and assigning work to us, it was evident how much each of my professors truly cared
for us as individuals. I grew very close to many of my professors related to my specific
major, but I had a great appreciation even for professors that I had for only one
semester.
Did you complete an internship or any field work?
I did have to complete 6 months of (unpaid) student teaching, in addition to many
hours of field work in the realm of observations in education. For my first assignment
I was placed at a middle school in Moreno Valley where I worked simultaneously with
a band teacher AND a choral/drama teacher. My placement was unusual because most music
majors choose either band OR chorus, but not both. My second placement was at Arlington
HS Chorus. All of the experience I received was invaluable, as my first job out of
college was teaching both band AND chorus at a middle school. My current position
is now teaching chorus and drama to 6th-12th graders, and I also teach elementary
music at a K-12 school at the University of Florida. My CBU supervisor for all of
this, Carl Schafer, was simply the best! As I stated my placement was unusual, but
exactly what I needed. I was really struggling in my personal life juggling responsibilities
as a new mom, and Dr. Schafer helped me navigate the placements I needed to fulfill
my requirements, but also attended to my specific needs. He treated me as a whole
person, and was a cheerleader and encourager for me during a very challenging time
in my life. I may have given up if it had not been for his steady guidance and belief
in me.
Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I was blessed to participate in the University Choir and Orchestra from 2003-2004.
How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
Something that made a big impact on me spiritually were the faith classes I had to
take in addition to my regular gen ed classes and classes for my major. I thoroughly
enjoyed learning in my classes that focused on Old Testament, New Testament, Baptist
Faith & Message, and my favorite of all was a class called "Science and Faith" that
showed Science and Religion to be complementary, when the world teaches that they
are exclusive to each other. The other thing I took away from CBU was persistence
and dedication. I had already spent 4 years (full-time) in college getting an AA degree,
taking other performing arts classes, and starting my Bachelors degree. I came to
CBU as a transfer student; it took me another 3 years of full-time work to get my
Bachelors degree, and then an additional 3 years to complete my Teaching Degree (and
field work).
Did your program help you figure out your purpose?
Once I was able to complete all the requirements, I was able to immediately begin
my career feeling very well prepared for the job. My first job as a public elementary
school teacher in 2007 was in a small town outside of Bakersfield, CA. Of course there
were many things that I had to learn "on the job" over the years, but I can say without
hesitation that CBU's Education program is top-tier and very thorough. While the amount
of time I spent in the program may seem extensive, I was able to take a few more classes
through an online program in 2019 and finish my Masters Degree in Teaching in a record
9 months. I was so well prepared at CBU that a Masters degree was just within my grasp.
For a few semesters I also worked as a professor at Cal State Bakersfield in the evenings
teaching elementary music in addition to my day job as a public school music teacher.
Three years ago my husband and I decided to move to Florida and my current job fell
into my lap, something I consider totally God-ordained. My current job teaching at
a K-12 lab school tied to the University of Florida requires a Masters Degree to teach
there. I never imagined that I would end up working for such a "prestigious" institution.
My goals and dreams when I entered CBU were humble, but CBU paved the way for a path
to make my current reality beyond a dream come true. Through CBU, I acquired many
of the skills I needed to be successful in the journey I find myself on today and
I am grateful.
Life after CBU
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I have more than 350 students on my roster this year as a music/drama teacher at a
K-12 school. I am enjoying being able to be connect with so many kids and their families
and be an encouragement to them in a world that is often chaotic and crazy. I get
to use the performing arts to create beauty and tangible human connection on a daily
basis. God created us with a need for community, and in my classroom we do exactly
that every day.
What are your future goals and plans?
My future goals include conducting research that further assists educators in general,
as well as being a mentor to the next generation of teachers. It is my hope to be
an encourager to young people just starting out in their journey as educators. Just
like my goal of creating community for my students, I want future educators to feel
like they have a life line. Teaching in today's climate is very challenging, and having
other colleagues in your corner is the best way to have a lasting career in this profession.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
I highly recommend CBU because the faculty and staff are personally invested in your
future success, you can make lifelong friends, and it provides plenty of opportunities
for personal growth and enrichment via projects, mission trips, or other extracurricular
activities. CBU will set you up to thrive!
Anything else you’d like to add? Anything else we should know about you?
In addition to my job as a public school educator, I spend time volunteering in the
community working as the musical director for several community theater productions,
and I have also worked as a worship leader for many churches and women's conferences.