Sahasra Reddy – My Guided Journey to Berkley College of Music
As a high school student passionate about both science and music, I was drawn to the idea of pursuing a music therapy course. However, the process of translating my interests into a coherent application felt overwhelming. I had a lot of enthusiasm but lacked clarity on how to effectively communicate my aspirations. That’s when Mr. Sheldon Wallbrown became an essential guide, transforming what initially felt like a daunting journey into one of self-discovery and growth.
One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of self-awareness. While I knew that I wanted to apply to the best colleges in the US for a bachelor’s in music therapy, I hadn’t fully considered how to go about applying to these and all the nerve racking number of requirements for each of them. Through thoughtful conversations, he guided me to reflect on my personal experiences with music and its impact on emotional well-being. This led me to develop a compelling narrative that sculpted my application essays and also deepened my understanding of why I wanted to pursue this field.
Mr. Wallbrown’s guidance didn’t stop at helping me shape a narrative; he encouraged me to expand on my original ideas in ways I hadn’t anticipated. For instance, when I worked on my essays, he pushed me to think beyond surface-level achievements and delve into the “why” behind my choices. Instead of simply listing my accomplishments in science and music, I learned to explore how they had shaped my perspective and prepared me for a career in music therapy. Each draft of my essay became a richer reflection of myself, thanks to his constructive feedback and probing questions.
One thing I really struggled with personally, is talking enough about my achievements and work. He taught me to not be too modest about these things while portraying myself before the world, that honesty and reasoned statements about my experience would go a long way. He accurately analysed my strengths and showed me how to display them to the concerned people. When it came to preparing for interviews, my counsellor’s insights were equally transformative. He shifted my perspective from throwing generalised statements at the interviewer, to approaching interviews as conversations where I could share my story authentically. These sessions not only improved my confidence but also helped me connect with the process on a much deeper level.
Looking back, one of the most valuable takeaways from working with my counselor was realizing how much I didn’t know I needed to know. Towards the end of this journey, I am left with a stronger sense of self. From understanding how to tell my story authentically to embracing opportunities for growth through feedback, every step of the process was an opportunity to learn. For other students embarking on similar journeys, I can’t stress enough the importance of seeking guidance. With the right support, the process becomes not just about securing admission but also about discovering who you are and what you truly want to achieve.
– Sahasra Reddy
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