Spring ‘21 Reflection

A lot, and a little, has happened for me this past semester. It always feels that way, but looking back on this semester, has made me realize the progress I have made and the work that still needs to be done as a student, performer, and individual. I started off the semester very excited about what was in store. Fall ‘20 was isolating when I had online classes and we were sent home for finals week but the spring semester had more chances of in-person classes and more opportunities to actually experience college life more. With all the excitement I was feeling, it quickly transformed into stress, anxiety, and depression. Everything felt numb and the drive of starting the semester completely disappeared.

 During this long part of the semester, I had this ongoing on-and-off system with my emotions and abilities. It was difficult to find it within me to do absolutely everything. The turmoil was hardcore because this time of the semester was the time I thought I had to prove my abilities as a student and performer of what I can do. I met with a counselor, a doctor, and had plentiful conversations with friends about this. Their support and help have made this experience easier to push through and, of course, being patient with myself. 

This semester was also filled with new opportunities with my cello internship with the Illinois String Academy, performing an in-person performance for Lyric Theatre Studio, partaking in a vocal competition, and playing cello in the pit orchestra for Little Women. I made new friends, went to places I have never been before, and managed to succeed in school. Overall, this semester was the needed transition into getting life back to normal, future performances and auditions, junior year, and being a more well-rounded person. 

Audrey Adji