The Pursuit of Happyness
I posted the warm and fuzzy version of this on Facebook. But I saved the grittier version for Tumblr, specifically for all the drum corps connections I have made or maintained here. I just cleared off my desk and clocked off of my last shift of a technician job I took 7.5 months ago as a gamble. A gamble that paid off big, like Jackpot big. On tuesday I will officially start my training as a Forensic Scientist, which makes tuesday the official start of a dream come true. Like any proper band geek in high school I was a part of any and every ensemble possible. I started school as a 5'0" 95lb piccolo player and ended learning every instrument I could borrow from a friend. I picked up a mellophone my sophomore year so that I could join a drum corps. Which I did, and dedicated my heart and soul to the activity. I found a home with the Troopers and a family which will be with me for my entire life. I gave six years into the activity, a gift to be given that much time, but also a sacrifice which took a toll on my body and mind. Early on I was planning on studying music and teaching, which made me a better performer and allowed me to become a leader and positive asset with the corps. Along the way I realized a passion for chemistry and forensic science which started me in a new direction. And where I had once given so much of myself into the Troopers and HLD, I found myself taking from it instead. Using the work ethic and perseverance I had learned through long trying summers to aid in my pursuit of a different passion outside of music. And as of now, years after aging out, it has paid off. I gambled by quitting my job teaching, celebrating the end of 10 years with a wonderful Skyview HS program. I gambled by giving up performing. I gambled by trading summers traveling with my Troopers family for working graveyard in an office that only touched on my interest. It paid off, but not without a debt to be repaid.
It is the dream of a drum corps member to leave everything they have on the field after their last performance before aging out. It is a dream that their last run is the best they have to offer and the peak of their career. I have to apologize to my friends because my last season was a disappointment. I worked hard for five years and grew for five years, and in my sixth I was less than my potential. I performed to a lower standard and I did not succeed as a leader the way I had done before. Not because I couldn't, but because I chose to. I chose to focus my effort in a different direction and I believe it cost me in the level of excellence I could give in my final season. I have had to dwell on this for a few years now, and I feel like now is the time I can bring myself to finally vocalize my feelings. I am sorry to everyone who performed with me in 2012, because I feel I could have done better. I hope that in five years I was able to give enough for the last year to be forgiven. I needed that year for me and I took it, I am so glad I can at least say that I have used it well. Everyday that I spend elated by this dream come true, I owe to the lessons and skills I learned as part of the Long Blue Line. No matter what, I am a Trooper to the end.
HLD
Jeremy