Throughout this tough economy, as I've seen friends and family members being laid off from their jobs, I've come to appreciate being gainfully employed. But is there more to loving coming to work each day other than coming home with a pay check?

1. I get paid to sing! Seriously, for real? Growing up, I used to drive my family crazy because I was constantly singing. OK, I admit it, I still do that. I have always burst into song at the drop of a hat. Random words or phrases will get me going into some song or another.
2. The kids I work with amaze me everyday. I could write a book on the funny and cute things that they say to me each day. They overcome hurdles each day that I could never fathom attempting. The music that I get to provide for the kids elicits many responses that no one else is able to experience, which is an incredibly humbling experience each and every time it happens. Not to mention, they are just so darn adorable, they melt my heart!
3. I'm always on the go! For some people this would be a negative, but for someone like me, who has a tendency to get bored, it's great! I go to up to 5 different school buildings a day. This means I get to meet a LOT of people, which is so much fun for my extrovert self. On the beautiful spring and fall days, as I drive to-and-from schools, I just roll down the windows and enjoy the beautiful day.
4. I work with a group of music therapists that holds more creativity and talent than any other group of people I've ever worked with. On the days that I'm not feeling creative, all I have to do is ask, and all of a sudden I have an armload of ideas coming my way! On days that I'm feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, they have the most supportive and objective listening ears.
5. I get to be creative. This includes: coloring to create visual aides for the kids I work with, watching YouTube videos to learn new songs to incorporate into my repertoire, playing guitar to expand my skills, and helping my SoundReach co-director come up with themes and playlists for our SoundReach concerts.

Not many people choose their chosen career path at the age of 16 and stick with it. I have been extremely blessed to have been able to have chosen that path early (which made graduating college in 4 years easier!), but to have taken a path (albeit less traveled) that I absolutely love!