“Grad School & Godspell” by Laura Beck
Two are better than one…if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
Have you ever been part of something that is so intense that the people going through the same thing with you bond quickly and deeply? That happened to me when I was part of the Framingham School system’s staff production of Godspell. We became almost a family, because we were learning lines, learning songs, and practicing A LOT in a little time. It was a magical experience for me. In fact, every time, I am in a musical theater production, we form a fast community. Typically, everyone goes their own way once the production is over, but for that time, you have a deep connection.
The same thing happened while I was going through grad school for music education. There were 9 of us in my cohort and we did the 18-month program, which meant we were there literally from morning to night two summers, and many nights during the school year. It was super demanding, and we bonded together to help each other out with lesson plans and projects. And to top it off, I injured myself the first summer, so my fellow students jumped in to carry my stuff, so I could get from building to building while on crutches. Again, it was like a family. We took care of each other. We supported each other, and we formed strong bonds, that actually lasted for several years after graduating, until everyone went their own separate ways.
I hope that if you are in a similar situation, you will take time to be aware of the blessing it is going through the intensity with other people. Notice what a gift it is to have each other for support!
Lord, may we support each other through life’s adversities and joys.
–Laura Beck