Childhood Dreams

My friend Donielle has a blog about her quest to audition for a Broadway show. You can check it out here. She’s hysterically real in her posts.

Reading about her journey has reminded me how far I’ve strayed from my childhood dreams. I had a lot of them. I wanted to be a hair dresser, orthopedic surgeon, President (yes, I wanted to be President of the United States), talk show host, but mostly I wanted to be a Christian singer. It makes me laugh to think about it now. I wanted to be like Amy Grant in the 80’s…the “Unguarded” years (with her pink leopard print jacket).

While getting all my paperwork ready for college I remember confidentially calling the office and telling them that I wanted to be a professional Christian singer. I’m still shocked that the woman on the other end didn’t burst into laughter. Little did I know that I wasn’t alone. Once I arrived at college (a Christian college at that) I found dozens of people who had the same dream, and I soon learned the harsh reality…they were WAY more talented than I was. They could all play either the piano or guitar…or both. I could play neither. I was too vain to play the guitar…I would have had to cut my long, perfectly manicured finger nails (if the old Katie could see the current Katie’s hands she would be completely appalled). And I just didn’t have the knack for the piano (no, I didn’t inherit that trait from my mom who can play beautifully). The other students could write songs…I tried it but it went over like a lead balloon. And unfortunately I had one other big problem with the whole “be a professional singer” dream…I hated to practice. I would much rather spend my free time playing Spades or going out with my friends, not sitting in an empty practice room by myself singing the same song over and over again.

Needless to say, I was a music major for 2 years. The failing of my piano proficiency exam helps me learn the harsh reality that this would always remain a dream. I graduated with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in music. I discovered that I am much better as an ensemble member than I am at being a soloist. I do great in a choir and can hold my part no matter who’s trying to pull me into their section. And if you need someone who can harmonize with pretty much anyone, I’m your girl. I’m the girl that will sing the notes as they are written and not try to embellish or make things more fancy than intended. And Ella thinks I’m a great singer, which makes me feel good.

Now, 12 years after graduation, I only know one person who went on to find great fame in the Christian music world. Most of my music major friends have gone on to become music teachers. In hindsight, changing my major was a very wise decision…I would have made a terrible music teacher. However, I still think I would be an awesome talk show host!