Leaving ArtistCorps

Author: Timothy Bachman, ArtistCorps

When I began ArtistCorps, I was honestly excited to receive the stipend as part of the service. I thought having the teaching experience would be extremely helpful to add to my Resume and CV. Maybe a bit selfish, but it was an obvious benefit to my career. I also thought that I might feel better about pursuing a performance career without outreach as a center part of my plans.

I look back on those hopes as being shortsighted. I had no idea how my career aspirations would change. My career plan is entirely different now, and I largely thank ArtistCorps at UNCSA for my desire to change. Spending a year of service made me care about issues I wasn't even aware of before this year. 

I've learned that I work well with middle school students, an age group I never thought I could connect with. My ability, or at least confidence, to connect with students in the future will shape my career for the rest of my life. 

I am excited to see how I look back on this time in the future, and be able to tell future students to serve in ArtistCorps.