Jan. 23, 2019
I was driving home from Metro Detroit on a wintery night a few weeks ago and found myself singing loudly along to “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel…and I knew every single word. It’s not surprising because I’m a big fan of the song and have listened to it many times. What was surprising that I found myself singing along to song after song that came on — even ones I barely remembered hearing before. I was even singing along to songs from years before I was born.
I’m sure not all the lyrics were right, and I didn’t know all of them, but apparently a large number of my brain cells are occupied with random song lyrics. That might explain why there wasn’t any room left over for calculus my freshman year of college.
As I skipped around the stations, it also struck me how a simple song can immediately put me back to a specific time in my past. Childhood memories of my sister’s albums and being with my mom while she listened to the radio came rushing back. Others made me think of awkward teen angst and first crushes. One was from the first dance I went to; another put me up north during a family camping trip. A huge number of them was simply the soundtrack to my high school years — all the highs and the lows. A song I sang to my daughter made me smile. Even current songs brought up very specific memories. It’s astounding the power that music has on our psyche.
Tasha Warren, a teacher, recording musician and international performance artist, is well aware of the power of music. As the director of the Chamber Music Program at MSU, her goal is to break down barriers that separate musicians and audiences, especially for those with sensory issues. Check out the inspiring short video in the MSUTODAY FEATURE: Performers and audiences share the music, to learn about the special concerts she’s created for some awesome little kids.
Looking for creative solutions to problems is something that Spartans do every day. We’re constantly looking for new approaches, innovative advances and ways to create better tomorrows for everyone.
Prabu David, the dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, is dedicated to helping promote leadership through change. He’s offering a cool video series where he’ll share his insights and guide participants on a variety of topics. Check out his FACULTY VOICE: Creative catalyst, to learn more about the course. He’s a fantastic leader on campus, and I’m certain anyone who follows along each week via LinkedIn will find it motivating.
Norrlyn Allen is a senior in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities and already well on his way to being an effective leader. In addition to being a student, he also is a restorative justice facilitator in the Lansing Public School district, an ambassador for the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities and an undergraduate research assistant studying the mental health of men in the African-American community. Check out his STUDENT VIEW: Knowing yourself and your worth, to learn why his goal is “to promote emotional expression.”
Now, more than ever, we need effective Spartan leaders willing to step up and put in the hard work required to fix wrongs, create rights and make the university the very best it can be. I’m inspired by the sense of determination and spirit on campus. There are so many incredible Spartans, not just on campus, but all around the globe. I’ve talked with a lot of them, and I’m constantly reminded of the brilliance, determination, fortitude and imagination found in the DNA of Spartans. Together, we can all be creative catalysts and change the world. And that is music to my ears. #SpartansWill.
Lisa Mulcrone
Editor, MSUToday
@LMulcrone
Photo by Kurt Stepnitz