Jewells of Thought

One of the first college experiences I had at my first college dealt with music in my English class. I spent just under 2 weeks at this place. I took a cue from one of my cousins who finished a year and who sang in the college choir. We were guests for one of her performances in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. My cousin and I were both students when it was only women; not coed like it is now.

To rewind a little bit, I had been to college days at St. Mary’s, Ball State and I want to say Asbury College-I can’t seem to remember for certain but I think that was the 3rd college. This decision was difficult for me, I even thought about double majoring at times. My guidance counselor and I talked, but I’m not really sure what made my decision.

One of my issues was being too far from home. St. Mary’s was an hour away and I knew Terre Haute fairly well. My cousin’s decision kind of helped my decision. Then I applied for a musical scholarship, I think talking to her mother and step-father gave me the ammunition I needed to go for this scholarship myself. My Musical Director at school who became my Preacher’s wife was also a big help. She helped me practice for my interview. I was a mess of nerves is all I really remember of that day. This opportunity though, would seal my major and my decision. I was absolutely thrilled when I got the scholarship.

Life isn’t always that simple is it? Everything seemed great, but it wasn’t. The same male English teacher I mentioned before seemed off to me. I liked the idea he had as far as picking out a song that fit our lives specifically. However, his views on women kind of unsettled me so much I couldn’t make this college campus feel like I belonged.

Seriously a Baptist girl in a Catholic University. None of that bothered me as much as his comments in one class did. Sometimes you just don’t know how well things will work out until you submerse yourself. I thought I could handle it there like my cousin did, but it turns out I couldn’t.

This all feels like a million years ago, and yet it led me to one of the best experiences of my life. My Dad and my Grandpa were holding out on me. Once I discovered the path I needed to be on I felt that Oakland City University was my home even though it was farther from home.

What would have happened if I had known about OCU from the beginning? Thankfully I met some amazing professors in the musical community as well as the historical community. Those moments wouldn’t have happened without my leaving St. Mary’s.

What decisions were hard for you to make? Did it actually lead you closer to your goals or farther away?

While sitting watching my cousin I thought it would be nice to be up there with her. Although, I’m not sure I was at the point of any of those decisions yet. However, I thoroughly enjoyed singing with guys in the mix at OCU. We had some amazing voices that made the choir magical for me.