I feel like I can finally established more of a weekly schedule now that I have all of my lessons, sessions, and practicing times figured out. I am incredibly busy still but I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed. I also found out I don't need to take Choral Union which frees up one night! Now that I'm into my second week of classes, I'm seeing that this year is going to be a huge mile-marker for me for a few reasons:

1. My apartment. I enjoyed living in student housing because I didn't have to worry about paying bills on time. Now I do. Though it shouldn't be a big issue (because I'm an extremely organized person), my perspectives on money have changed since I have to hand over the money myself.

2. Music Therapy Research Methods. Music therapy research is want I am very interested in, like I mentioned before, but I never really thought about how complicated it is. There are two theories about research that are polar opposites and I think both are valid theories. This makes my mind spin and I have worn myself out trying to figure out how those theories play a part in my interest in music therapy. This, of course, will only help me mature in my music therapy identity.

3. Charis House. The music therapy club is finally going to start the volunteer work we have been trying to plan for at least two years. Last night, my friend and I went to the facility to see what kind of space we had to work with and who we would be with. If you don't know about the Charis House, it's basically a house for women and children to go when they have nowhere else to go (we will be focusing on the children). I won't go into details about it but Bethany and I walked away with a ton of excitement. There are a ton of ways we can help the kids out and the staff at Charis House is extremely thankful and excited we want to work with them (Melissa, our contact, is actually an IPFW student majoring in Social Sciences; she is taking Intro to Music Therapy this year!). Not only will we be able to help the kids, it will help us as music therapists, the therapy program, and us as individuals. We will have the opportunity to use music activities in a more relaxed atmosphere (without a therapy supervisor grading us), help the program make more connections in the community, and help us as individuals by giving us the experience of volunteering. It's really exciting!

Well, I should get back to studying!