My Unexpected Encore: How Motherhood Led Me to My Music Studio
From the moment I joined the choir at Mountain Vista High School, I knew what my future held. I was going to stand in front of that very choir, inspiring students just as my own incredible teachers had inspired me. Music wasn't just a subject; it was a way to connect, to express, to make a real difference. And what better place to do that than in the halls where my own passion was ignited?
That dream stayed with me through college. Six days after graduation, I married my high school sweetheart, Zac, and just two months later, I began my teaching career at Prairie Crossing Elementary. For two years, I shared the joy of general music with young minds, all the while keeping my Mountain Vista dream alive. Then, it happened. My chance arrived, and I stepped into the very role I’d envisioned for myself! Stepping into that building as a teacher was such a surreal moment!
Five and a half years flew by (even with teaching choir during COVID — ugh…). During that time, my life took on a new, beautiful melody with the arrival of my daughters, Bethany (August 2022) and Riley (November 2023). Motherhood was a desire close to my heart, and it's been even more wonderful than I ever imagined.
But here’s the thing: I also loved my job. I really loved my job. I found myself constantly trying to balance being a mom and the teacher I loved being. With two little ones, daycare costs became a heavy burden, forcing Zac and me to make a difficult decision. In October, we decided I would leave Mountain Vista at the end of the semester to stay home with the girls.
Let me be honest, I was terrified. This wasn’t in my carefully crafted plan. I’d always pictured myself in the classroom, not solely at home. Yet, in the midst of my fear, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It was a peace that whispered, "This is right," even when my own desires were saying something else. I knew, deep down, that this was God's plan for me.
The past few months as a stay-at-home mom have been a journey of rediscovering myself and embracing this new chapter. Motherhood has been an incredible journey, and I wouldn't trade a moment with my daughters. I've also come to understand that my passion for music and teaching is a vital part of who I am, and I'm eager to find a way to honor that.
That’s why I’m so excited to be opening my own voice and piano studio. It’s the perfect way to combine my two greatest passions: motherhood and music. I can be there for my girls while also sharing the joy of singing and playing with individual students. It’s my unexpected encore, a beautiful blend of family and music, a testament to how life can take you on the most wonderful detours. I can't wait to share my passion with you!
