God helped me build skills and develop confidence to pursue a master’s degree in music therapy
I had heard about BYU-Pathway Worldwide before, but when one of their service missionaries started talking to me about it, I took it as a sign I should enroll.
When I attended my first gathering for the foundational courses , it was really funny: I got online and saw that my mum was in the same gathering group! It was a total surprise — we hadn’t talked to each other at all about enrolling.
Spending more time with my mum was the first of many blessings to come from BYU-Pathway.
I earned a better wage
When I started school at BYU-Pathway, I was also a teacher’s assistant working one-on-one with a boy with autism at a school in Stockton-on-Tees, England, but I was not contracted.
After completing my first block, I was given a contract and full-time hours. Then, when I finished my foundational courses, my responsibility and wage at work increased. I attribute BYU-Pathway for giving me the skills and the confidence I needed for my job.
I strengthened my skills
BYU-Pathway helped me to focus more, make plans, and set goals. I also learned writing skills, like using transition words, that helped me connect my thoughts together.
I chose to pursue a certificate in social media marketing because it would go toward a degree in communication — all skills I wanted to develop.
In one course, we learned how to plan a social media campaign using a spreadsheet. As I worked on the assignment, I realized that the same skill would help me as a piano teacher!
I have been teaching piano for a while, but making long-term plans for my students was overwhelming. Now, I use spreadsheets to plan for my students, and I don’t feel stressed anymore!
I grew in confidence
For the past 20 years I wanted to become a music therapist, but it always seemed too hard.
During an academic planning lesson at BYU-Pathway, I reflected and realized I had gained so many more skills than when I had started such as goal setting, writing, and planning.
I felt much more confident in my ability to earn a master’s degree for music therapy! The skills I learned at BYU-Pathway have helped me to be successful in that program. Now I’m almost finished with my master’s and will start practicing music therapy soon.
I am more capable
Before BYU-Pathway, I thought that spiritual and academic learning were separate, but my education helped me see how much God cares about our academic learning and will help us with it. I’ve become a more capable disciple because my courses at BYU-Pathway have helped me involve the Lord in my daily life and challenges.
I’m so thankful I chose to enroll in BYU-Pathway. Because of my education, I’ve taught more piano students, earned more money, and gained the confidence to work toward my dream of becoming a music therapist!
What dreams could BYU-Pathway help you reach? Find an online degree program that fits your interests and goals.
Contributor: Abby Ashton