Name: Jeremy Tang
Program: University of the Pacific
Graduation Date: September 2017
What is/are your favorite service events and why?
My favorite service event is teaching music to high school students. Music has always been a part of my life growing up. Being given the opportunity to help give back and teach these students makes me happy. It brings me joy to see how far the person has come. Many student start with no knowledge about the guitar or drums. They progress to master simple chord shapes and even complex lead lines or fills on the drums. Seeing their excitement brings me joy because they have accomplished a lot.
Teaching these students has help me grow as a person and clinician by allowing me to empathize with them. The beginning is definitely a struggle and many students have frustration. I understand what they experience because I too have gone through the same trial. My experience has help calm their frustration and help the student to persevere to be the musicians they are today. This experience has also taught me about communication and patience. I want the students to succeed so I spend many weeks working on their skill and providing helpful feedback while making a fun environment to learn.
Why is service important to you?
Service is important to me because it makes me happy to know that I am helping others. The cheesy quote “Give more than you take” has always reminded me that this life is not for myself. It’s all the little things in life that can make a difference in everyone’s life. I am blessed to have friends and family to help me with many things. They have all inspired me to continue paying it forward and help someone else.
Anything else you want to add?
From one of my favorite tv shows
“I guess it’s because we all want to believe that what we do is very important, that people hang on to our very word, that they care what we think. The truth is, you should consider yourself lucky if you even occasionally get to make someone-anyone-feel a little better.”
― J.D Scrubs