Insect Bites June Chung

Don’t let my mosquito bites itch, I prayed. It was summer. I was backstage at the church listening to the flutist before me, and with a fluttering stomach, was waiting my turn for the spotlight. The concert was to benefit CAM, abbreviated for Children’s Ark Ministry, supporting single parents by taking care of their children during the day and providing counseling services. I had no idea that in a few minutes, I would be engaged in one of my best performances, ready to beam with happiness after the finishing chord.

The word ‘music’ was one that I had heard so many times it seemed to me as familiar as my own name. I feel the same about ‘help’. When I told my friends and family that I wanted to major in violin, but also wanted to aid others, the automatic response I received every time was, “Oh, you can do both. Music therapy is a great collaboration of music and help.” No, I thought. That wasn’t what I wanted. My passion wasn’t with a combination of two things. What I desired so strongly was to find an institution that would have programs separately embodying musical ideals as well as those of psychology. The New School is conspicuous by its well-known Mannes School of Music and the Eugene Lang School of Liberal Arts. The...