OBLIVIOUS TO THE OBVIOUS BY NICOLE HOLMAN

My biggest flaw is that I am blind to my strengths. When I was only five years old I would create these elaborately detailed drawings and paintings, then cry to my mom because I didn’t think I was creative like the other kids. That’s because my creativity was so innate that I didn’t acknowledge it as unique. I’ve never felt like I think like everyone else, so socially I’ve done everything I can to conform and blend in. Yet my passion for creativity bleeds through, as I am the only one from my high school graduating class that is seeking to make a living in music.

In the music world, we don’t use the word “creativity” because it’s so ingrained into our daily routines. I’m learning music that has been performed all over the world since it was first composed in 1717. It’s essential to my career that I find a way to honor the composer’s intent while making my performance memorable and unique. I do so by letting myself become one with the music in order to adequately express myself. I had no idea that my practice routine was actually creative until I took a business class with the word “creativity” in the title. It took me too long to see that part of my mind.

Creativity isn’t just something I do. It’s a part of who I am.