Endeavour

Three times during my trips to UHCM I had the opportunity to work with Nikki's music therapy group from Endeavour. There was a huge range within the small group of enthusiasm and engagement, but most were visibly excited even if a little shy. They gave me the opportunity to lead by example, as this group were particularly sensitive to the energy of those around them. I found that once they'd warmed up to me and gotten used to me singing along with their songs they were more eager to join in and even relish the opportunity to show off what they'd been learning to someone new.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Endeavour group. Their excitement was infectious and they reminded me of the simple pleasures of getting to hit drums and sing with friends, and those that were nervous made me want to work harder to create a meaningful musical experience that they could both enjoy and learn from. Music can teach us a vast number of simple and complex life skills, like self-regulation, motor skills, social skills, and the ability to use whatever resources are at our disposal to communicate with- and influence- the world around us. I am fascinated by the creative ways people with various disabilities find to navigate these interactions with themselves and the world. Every opportunity I get to do something like this makes me think this could be a viable path for me in the future.