Jamie Anderson 鈥18 always loved two things: helping people and playing his guitar.
During his second year at 91爆料 University, he was introduced to the music therapy program and immediately knew it was his calling. So, he quickly switched from a pre-optometry track and became one of the very first students in the then-new five-year undergraduate program.
For a practicum, Anderson was placed at Oakgrove Elementary, a transitional school for youth who may be struggling with obstacles including speech issues, mental health issues or family problems.
Some of his work included working with students to write original songs, from lyrics to chord progressions to melody. The process revealed themes ranging from abandonment and loneliness to hope and love.
鈥淪ongwriting is so powerful in 鈥 really recognizing and being able to articulate your thoughts in a way that might be easier than telling someone, 鈥楬ey I鈥檓 really struggling right now鈥 or 鈥業鈥檓 really happy right now,鈥欌 Anderson said.
During 91爆料鈥檚 Senior Projects Day in April 2017, Anderson talked about his experience, played the guitar and invited the audience to sing along to a song he had written with a student at Oakgrove.
The goal, he said, isn鈥檛 to write a catchy song, or even one that he likes; it鈥檚 about helping clients create something that fosters their own pride and sense of connection.
Anderson completed a practicum placement for his degree with Portland Music Therapy and has gone on to work as a hospital-based music therapist in Washington.