After graduating from OSA, I received my Bachelor's in Music Performance at Mills College in Oakland, CA, and my Master's in Music and Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, NY. I stayed in New York for a few years and taught elementary and middle school general music. I was also the secretary for the Music Educators' Association of New York City (MEANYC). My 3rd grade students were going to perform at Carnegie Hall for the Link Up program when the pandemic occurred. Post the pandemic, I rejoined a performance group I was in in high school called the Peter Pan Foundation and became their Production Assistant (PPF). In the PPF, I have also performed in a few musicals and participate in princess parties as Princess Tiana. It's a great time to connect with the community! Currently, I am a Production Assistant at Industrial Light & Magic in San Francisco, CA.
I've performed with the Peter Pan Foundation at Disneyland twice and we plan to go perform again in July 2024.
Besides developing my musicality and positive nature as a performer, OSA also developed my professionalism. For as comedic and random that my friends have told me I am, I also have a professional side that knows when to work. Many of my bosses and co-workers have told me that I am very punctual, great at communication and am a team player. I also think my time at OSA showed me what kind of teacher I wanted to be. Similarilarly to the teachers and staff at OSA, I wanted my students to respect me, but also see me as someone who could be helpful to them. I tried to have a lot of patiences and empathy. Constantly listening to my students and adapting my lessons to how my students were developing and other situations.
If anything I spent more time in Oakland while I was at OSA. I think my home situation at the time kept me from developing closer contacts that I could go and explore places with. Classmates mention places to me that I have no idea of. With that said, I love the Bay and am happy to be associated with it.
I have a few fond memories from my time at OSA. Meeting Corinne Bailey Rae and all of us losing our mind over how she said mum. Performing dances made by the dance students for spirit week. Saying good-bye to the tent before moving into the Fox Theatre. Performing in the Fox Theatre for the fundraiser and the Wiz. I've had a lot of fun experiences that stay in my heart.
I think all of the teachers I encountered at OSA have had a great impact on me. They've either taught me something about professionalism, inspired my teaching style or reminded me to just be me and live my best life.
