So this whole school year I have not blogged anything. Talk about being a super busy senior with class, work, organizations and everything else running my life. With 4 weeks and 3 days until graduation I will be writing a little bit more as I enter the real world and the job hunting becomes more serious. More will come soon, but for now back to job applications.
- Matt
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I WILL SURVIVE!!!
I am finally back at school and that means I will be blogging more than I did over the summer.
So I have been down at school now at my new apartment for about 1.5 weeks and I am loving the place. However, there has been some ups and downs since I have been here.
Of course, one of the positive sides of being back down at school is seeing and hanging out with friends that I have made over the years down at school. It was nice to know some many people and have things to do. I remember back to freshmen year knowing no one and now I have an amazing group of close friends and a bunch of other friends that I made through class, my major and just randomly meeting. It is a great feeling and it is weird to think that after this year I will be done with school... well, unless I go back for my Masters.
To add to the positive side, I secured a job the first few weeks of school working at TIS (a bookstore) during the rush/busy part of the year. I have been doing everything from collecting book bags at the door, help bagging items for the cashiers and being on register. It isn't the best job in the world, but it is money and it is fun people watching.
However, not everything has been so bright and cheering since I have been down at school. Last Tuesday on the way to work I was driving in and I stopped as the traffic in front of be were because of the light. So I started to brake and I came to a complete stop. A few seconds after I came to a stop I was jolted forward as I heard brakes squealing. At first I was in shock, but then I became extremely pissed off with the person who ran into me. I was directed to pull off to the side of the road into an animal clinic/hospital parking lot by a man who witness the accident. There in the lot I got out and talked to the guy who hit me. His vehicle was not as severely damaged as mine though. It was hard dealing with the situation because this guy kept crying and pacing around the lot. I just sat there waiting for him to calm down so I can talk to him and get information. I called the cops to inform them I needed someone to come down to file a report. It took the police 40 minutes to get there. WAY TO GO MUNCIE POLICE! There everything was taking care of. However, I wasn't able to go to work because the accident and police report took way to long and the biggest reason was that it was too dangerous to drive my car to work and back. Even though it was just down the road.
The next day I woke up and my neck, right shoulder and upper back was in pain. Throughout the whole day I had to deal with this. I just relaxed at my apartment until I had to go to work, which I had to take the bus. However, this was the day all the freshmen were moving in. So traffic was chaotic and you had to wait in traffic patiently. Apparently the bus driver did not have any as she bi-passed all of campus and ended up going down some back roads. Everyone in the bus was so confused on what was going on. I left my place one hour to get to work because I knew traffic was going to be a mess, but the bus just added to things. Luckily I was able to get off the bus around Muncie Central High School, but with only 20 minutes to get to work. So I ran a bit and then walked my way to work. Luckily I got there with a few minutes to spare.
Work way fine, but my body was still sore. After work I made it back home safely, but then I had to call my friends Adam and Amanda up to take me to the emergency room to get things checked out. I told them I would call them when I was done because I had no clue on how long things would take. I ended up waiting 2.5 hours before getting seen and I was at the hospital for 4.5 hours overall. While there I had some tests done and some x-rays. Nothing was wrong, but just extremely sore muscles. They prescribed me for some muscle relaxers and another medication. The drawback of them is that they make me drozy and tired. Nothing like being wore out before school even starts. I am currently still on the medication and the pain is slightly going away, but it still hurts now and then. Luckily it is no where near what it was like when I went in to the emergency room.
So school started this past Monday and so far I am going to like my classes. Some of them are going to be differently and others are going to push me, but I am looking forward to them. All of my professors have my attention and they are not boring or draining... yet.
Then there was yesterday. After classes and getting a quick bit to eat, I headed to Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Indiana. There I was to meet up with my friend Matt. He referenced me to the band director there to go ahead and teach the guard in the marching band. After lasts night practice, well... I can't wait to go back. They guard was great and they can be amazing! I am so fortunate to have been ask to teach there and I can wait to go back and get things going. Here is a clip of them last year. This show is from Semi-State where they made the top 10 and went to State the following weekend. At State they placed 6th place!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TICl25cj9bA&feature=related
So overall these past 1.5 weeks I have had highs and lows, but hey... that's life. You either play the game or get plowed over. Life will go on with or without you. As the title of this blog states: I WILL SURVIVE!!!
So I have been down at school now at my new apartment for about 1.5 weeks and I am loving the place. However, there has been some ups and downs since I have been here.
Of course, one of the positive sides of being back down at school is seeing and hanging out with friends that I have made over the years down at school. It was nice to know some many people and have things to do. I remember back to freshmen year knowing no one and now I have an amazing group of close friends and a bunch of other friends that I made through class, my major and just randomly meeting. It is a great feeling and it is weird to think that after this year I will be done with school... well, unless I go back for my Masters.
To add to the positive side, I secured a job the first few weeks of school working at TIS (a bookstore) during the rush/busy part of the year. I have been doing everything from collecting book bags at the door, help bagging items for the cashiers and being on register. It isn't the best job in the world, but it is money and it is fun people watching.
However, not everything has been so bright and cheering since I have been down at school. Last Tuesday on the way to work I was driving in and I stopped as the traffic in front of be were because of the light. So I started to brake and I came to a complete stop. A few seconds after I came to a stop I was jolted forward as I heard brakes squealing. At first I was in shock, but then I became extremely pissed off with the person who ran into me. I was directed to pull off to the side of the road into an animal clinic/hospital parking lot by a man who witness the accident. There in the lot I got out and talked to the guy who hit me. His vehicle was not as severely damaged as mine though. It was hard dealing with the situation because this guy kept crying and pacing around the lot. I just sat there waiting for him to calm down so I can talk to him and get information. I called the cops to inform them I needed someone to come down to file a report. It took the police 40 minutes to get there. WAY TO GO MUNCIE POLICE! There everything was taking care of. However, I wasn't able to go to work because the accident and police report took way to long and the biggest reason was that it was too dangerous to drive my car to work and back. Even though it was just down the road.
The next day I woke up and my neck, right shoulder and upper back was in pain. Throughout the whole day I had to deal with this. I just relaxed at my apartment until I had to go to work, which I had to take the bus. However, this was the day all the freshmen were moving in. So traffic was chaotic and you had to wait in traffic patiently. Apparently the bus driver did not have any as she bi-passed all of campus and ended up going down some back roads. Everyone in the bus was so confused on what was going on. I left my place one hour to get to work because I knew traffic was going to be a mess, but the bus just added to things. Luckily I was able to get off the bus around Muncie Central High School, but with only 20 minutes to get to work. So I ran a bit and then walked my way to work. Luckily I got there with a few minutes to spare.
Work way fine, but my body was still sore. After work I made it back home safely, but then I had to call my friends Adam and Amanda up to take me to the emergency room to get things checked out. I told them I would call them when I was done because I had no clue on how long things would take. I ended up waiting 2.5 hours before getting seen and I was at the hospital for 4.5 hours overall. While there I had some tests done and some x-rays. Nothing was wrong, but just extremely sore muscles. They prescribed me for some muscle relaxers and another medication. The drawback of them is that they make me drozy and tired. Nothing like being wore out before school even starts. I am currently still on the medication and the pain is slightly going away, but it still hurts now and then. Luckily it is no where near what it was like when I went in to the emergency room.
So school started this past Monday and so far I am going to like my classes. Some of them are going to be differently and others are going to push me, but I am looking forward to them. All of my professors have my attention and they are not boring or draining... yet.
Then there was yesterday. After classes and getting a quick bit to eat, I headed to Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Indiana. There I was to meet up with my friend Matt. He referenced me to the band director there to go ahead and teach the guard in the marching band. After lasts night practice, well... I can't wait to go back. They guard was great and they can be amazing! I am so fortunate to have been ask to teach there and I can wait to go back and get things going. Here is a clip of them last year. This show is from Semi-State where they made the top 10 and went to State the following weekend. At State they placed 6th place!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TICl25cj9bA&feature=related
So overall these past 1.5 weeks I have had highs and lows, but hey... that's life. You either play the game or get plowed over. Life will go on with or without you. As the title of this blog states: I WILL SURVIVE!!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
John Glenn Falcon Pride: Part 2
So it has been a really long time since I posted anything. This summer has been busy and hectic from interning, working and teaching.I promise, once back at school I will be updating this more.
For now, I want to highlight the school I have been working at this summer teaching guard. They are coming along and they have so much potential. They just need to realize it. Being average shouldn't be good enough for them.
Take a look at these promo trailers I made for them. They are intended to get them, as well as parents and others, pumped for the season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdTbU8OiQMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L7CDdG9Z6E
For now, I want to highlight the school I have been working at this summer teaching guard. They are coming along and they have so much potential. They just need to realize it. Being average shouldn't be good enough for them.
Take a look at these promo trailers I made for them. They are intended to get them, as well as parents and others, pumped for the season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdTbU8OiQMA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L7CDdG9Z6E
Saturday, July 9, 2011
John Glenn Falcon Pride
So one benefit of being home this summer is that I have been able to help out with the John Glenn band. I am so pumped fore their show this year and I can't wait til the guard staff and I can start teaching the girls the show.
For those who saw them last year, they are much improved. The guard is already at where they were mid-season. There is a total of 18 girls and they are going to rock it!
A few days ago, the staff got together and we wrote about 2 minutes worth of work. These girls are going to be getting it. The work is awesome! Especially the opening solo work... ugh. It's gonna be hot, if I do say so myself!
Well more updates will be coming once camp starts! Go MFJGFP!
For those who saw them last year, they are much improved. The guard is already at where they were mid-season. There is a total of 18 girls and they are going to rock it!
A few days ago, the staff got together and we wrote about 2 minutes worth of work. These girls are going to be getting it. The work is awesome! Especially the opening solo work... ugh. It's gonna be hot, if I do say so myself!
Well more updates will be coming once camp starts! Go MFJGFP!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
One Year Anniversary... Thank you Thunder!
One year ago today I was on a plane to Spokane, Washington to be the replacement drum major for the Thunder Drum & Bugle Corps. For those who don't know the story, here is an explanation of what happened.
Last summer I was not planning on marching corps due to the fact the 09 season was such a rough one for me. I didn't want anything to do with it. So in 2010, I was not going to march... or so I thought. I first received a phone call from my old director at Capital Sound, Marc Gofstein. He asked what my plans were for the summer. After I told him I was just going to be working, he said to expect a phone call from Bill. Bill Clark was the old brass instructor at Capital Sound.
No later than 5 minutes talking to Marc, I got the call. I knew something had to be up, but I did not know what exactly. Bill informed me that the drum major at Thunder needed emergency surgery and they needed a replacement drum major. They could of taken someone from the corps to fill the spot, but the corps was already small in size and it would of only hurt them.
After talking to Bill and also the corps director, Bill Harvey, and the assistant corps director, James Laymen, we figured out what was going to happen. The next morning... REAL early, I was on my way to Chicago to catch my flight. I went from Chicago to Salt Lake City and then caught my connection to Spokane. I was so nervous because I did not know what to expect. I barely ate anything all day and by the time I got to Washington it was late. I felt sick to my stomach. I did not know what to expect, if it was going to be the same as my previous year doing corps, etc. Nothing felt better getting out of the car at the school and people rushing out to meet me.
The first person to say anything to me was Michael aka McLovin. I love this kid and he is like the brother I will never have. I remember it clearly. He said, "Are you our new drum major?" I said yes and then he ran to me and gave me a hug. I knew I was going to be in good hands and that this summer was going to be amazing. (Ya, I bet you don't remember that Michael, do you!)
And yes, the three week tour was amazing.It was pretty hard leaving this group. Everyone says that at the end of the season, but for me, I will more than likely never see these guys again. Unless they march a different group and I bump into them that way. All I know is that I had one of the best experiences in my life and the memories I had will always be in my mind. So on this one year anniversary, I want to give a giant thanks to you Thunder DBC! You brought my passion fro drum corps back to where it once was. I wish you guys a great season as your first show is tomorrow.
Last summer I was not planning on marching corps due to the fact the 09 season was such a rough one for me. I didn't want anything to do with it. So in 2010, I was not going to march... or so I thought. I first received a phone call from my old director at Capital Sound, Marc Gofstein. He asked what my plans were for the summer. After I told him I was just going to be working, he said to expect a phone call from Bill. Bill Clark was the old brass instructor at Capital Sound.
No later than 5 minutes talking to Marc, I got the call. I knew something had to be up, but I did not know what exactly. Bill informed me that the drum major at Thunder needed emergency surgery and they needed a replacement drum major. They could of taken someone from the corps to fill the spot, but the corps was already small in size and it would of only hurt them.
After talking to Bill and also the corps director, Bill Harvey, and the assistant corps director, James Laymen, we figured out what was going to happen. The next morning... REAL early, I was on my way to Chicago to catch my flight. I went from Chicago to Salt Lake City and then caught my connection to Spokane. I was so nervous because I did not know what to expect. I barely ate anything all day and by the time I got to Washington it was late. I felt sick to my stomach. I did not know what to expect, if it was going to be the same as my previous year doing corps, etc. Nothing felt better getting out of the car at the school and people rushing out to meet me.
The first person to say anything to me was Michael aka McLovin. I love this kid and he is like the brother I will never have. I remember it clearly. He said, "Are you our new drum major?" I said yes and then he ran to me and gave me a hug. I knew I was going to be in good hands and that this summer was going to be amazing. (Ya, I bet you don't remember that Michael, do you!)
And yes, the three week tour was amazing.It was pretty hard leaving this group. Everyone says that at the end of the season, but for me, I will more than likely never see these guys again. Unless they march a different group and I bump into them that way. All I know is that I had one of the best experiences in my life and the memories I had will always be in my mind. So on this one year anniversary, I want to give a giant thanks to you Thunder DBC! You brought my passion fro drum corps back to where it once was. I wish you guys a great season as your first show is tomorrow.
Monday, June 27, 2011
It Gets Better!
The majority of us has heard the of the "It Gets Better Project". I pulled this directly from their website...
"Growing up isn’t easy. Many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, leading them to feel like they have nowhere to turn. This is especially true for LGBT kids and teens, who often hide their sexuality for fear of bullying. Without other openly gay adults and mentors in their lives, they can't imagine what their future may hold. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted — even tortured — simply for being themselves.
Justin Aaberg. Billy Lucas. Cody Barker. Asher Brown. Seth Walsh. Raymond Chase. Tyler Clementi. They were tragic examples of youth who could not believe that it does actually get better.
While many of these teens couldn’t see a positive future for themselves, we can. The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better."
Last night I was searching some stuff on YouTube and I found this video of The Columbus Kids Choir and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. Take a minute to watch this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7EcsFK1s8&feature=share It just struck me. It made me happy to see that such a beautiful song can mean so much. It makes me feel that there is a better and brighter hope for everyone. That one day it won't matter who you are and who you love.
I also pulled this from the It Gets Better website. "Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them." I ask you, what can you do to make the life better for someone? Even if it is not for someone dealing with their sexuality. What can you do to make a difference? Maybe someone is dealing with a loss in their family, a break up or they are just down. I ask you, what will you do to make a difference in this world?
Everyone... IT GETS BETTER! No matter your situation, there will be someone there for you to talk to and get through it!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Top 10... Places I Want To Work At
So it has been a while since I had the chance to write something on here. I have been super busy with interning, teaching the guard and job searching... which ended with success. I ended up getting a job at Hollister. I am super pumped that I start that.
On top of it all, there is a DCI event in theaters tomorrow night and then this Friday there is a show at Ball State! So I get a double dose of corps this week. Hopefully I don't get too emotional with it all. However, I get to see a bunch of my corps friends and seeing them perform their hearts out will make things worth it.
Yet, none of those topics is the reason why I am writing this blog. For the past week in a half I have been researching and looking up places I want to work at after I graduate. My dream is to work for a college or university doing internal communications, work with the athletic department helping out with campaigns and other tid bits or even working with the recruiting office trying to get the best of the best to apply.
I have a bunch of cities on my list... Seattle to Miami, Boston to San Diego and tons other cities. It can't be too early to start looking and researching about these different schools, along with researching the background of the city the school is located in to know what one is the best one to start at right after school. Things such as: cost of living, available job market if things fall through, social life, etc.
So here are my top 10 schools/cities I want to move to and work for.
#10. Boston University
#9. University of San Diego
#8. Northwestern University
#7. Old Dominion
#6. University of Tampa
#5. University of Utah
#4. UNC Charlotte
#3. Drexel University
#2. George Mason University
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#1.Towson University
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