What do I want to be when I grow up?
I just turned 50 and I’m still working on it.
If you had asked me that question when I was five years old, I’d tell you I wanted to be a Beatle. My parents have tapes of me with my plastic guitar, singing my version of “Hard Day’s Night”. (My lyrics were a little off.)
In first grade, I traded my guitar for my brother’s drums and it stuck.
I went to college with some clothes and my drumset. I played in a few bands but I worked at KUOP-FM. I wrote and recorded promos, produced a couple of shows, and did a little on-air talent.
After college, I ended up back behind my drumset. Being a rock musician in L.A. doesn’t always pay the rent, so I also worked as a substitute teacher. I was encouraged to consider teaching as a career. I liked it. Everyday was different. I was doing something positive. I decided to get a credential and use my talents to teach.
Really, it was never about being a rock star. I wanted to be creative. I wanted to be an example to someone else. I wanted to be myself and to be valued.
Twenty-two years later, I’m still a teacher. Of course, I also still play the drums. And I’m darn good.
