My name is Austen Goodman and I’m a senior in high school. I struggled in school. After 3rd grade it wasn’t about learning anymore and it seemed that it was only about the final product. I never had the opportunity to process the information. I would be rushed to finish my work, and I wouldn’t learn a thing. This left me frustrated. I labeled myself “dumb” because I knew that I wasn’t learning. I really wanted to learn but my idealism was crushed. I believed I was incapable. I dropped out of school.
I have been part of the EMTAH program* for three months now and I feel honored. It is soul supporting for me. EMTAH supports my musical education, expansion, and career. As my teacher, Mr. Bill Rossi understands my ability and doesn’t let me “coast by” on my natural musical talent like other teachers I’ve had. Mr. Rossi supports me in a way that doesn’t shatter my confidence; instead, he brings the lesson out me.
I am so grateful to have the will to learn: to communicate, to connect, to converse, to explore, and to self discover. I am not held back anymore by the insecure thought that I won’t be able to learn what I am taught. I know, now, that I am capable.
*Editor’s note: EMTAH is the nonprofit program Bill Rossi founded and directs, which utilizes his teaching approach.
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What an inspiring note from Austen! I have heard him play and sing and you can see his “soul” that he refers to in his note. This reinforces for me how important it is to build on the strengths of our youth and then watch them shine! Austen — keep up the good work; the communicating, connecting, conversing, exploring and your self discovery. You will go far!
Austen, this was so wonderful to read this morning. Of course I’ve followed your progress, watching as this opened in you ... a continuing joy for me! One of the things you said that really struck me was how you now have a “will to learn”. It’s such a basic concept yet so often overlooked as one of the fundamental prerequisites to learning. Which makes me think ... that perhaps what our country needs to begin with, as it considers education reform, is a consideration of what those fundamentals are, and how their lack is affecting students today.
This is wonderful! What a lovely letter, and a real tribute to the quality of the program.