Help Margaret go to school to become a Music Therapist

My name is Margaret Harrison. I am a senior in high school and planning to become a music therapist. I've been accepted to the University of the Pacific Stockton California, which has one of the oldest music therapy programs in the country.  University of the Pacific recently celebrated 70th anniversary of offering this program.

What Is Music Therapy?

Many people have never heard of music therapy or don't understand what it is. To help with this many of you may remember when Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Arizona a few years ago, she suffered head injuries that impaired her speech.  Through various surgeries and therapies including music therapy, Congresswoman Giffords was able to speak again. I've included a video clip below which demonstrates music therapy with autistic children and the use of American sign language in reaching these children.  Music therapy has unique qualities in that music works as a vehicle to cross over the hemispheres of the brain to overcome barriers which may exist through injury or other impact.  Music therapy is used to help head trauma, stroke, autism sufferers regain many faculties that might otherwise be permanently lost. 

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I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more abTestout you.

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.

My Goals!

It is my great desire to be able to help autistic children to be more functional through music therapy. I hope to learn and be trained music therapy at University of the Pacific. Why I Need YourWhy I Need Your HelpThe current cost of the University of the Pacific is $60,000 per year. Unfortunately this is more than my family can afford. So I'm trying this "crowdsourcing" approach to finance my education. I ask only for small donations from anyone who would like to invest in my education and my ability to help out those who are less fortunate in our society.

About Me

My main instrument is the flute which I have been playing since I was in fourth grade in 2005.  I love the flute and how playing it makes me feel. It has a really calming effect on me. When I am upset and can play my flute, it always makes me feel better.  I've attached a clip of my playing hoping that you might listen and hear for yourself the affect of this instrument.  My experience with music, has led me to major in music therapy and provide valuable help to people in great need.  The music therapy major is a very demanding and challenging program. I do not shy away from challenges. I have faced many challenges in my life so far.  I have dyslexia, which early in my life made reading a significant challenge. But I persevered and with the help of my parents and the many teachers and tutors who helped me through the years, I have been able to compensate for this condition. I also have several chronic digestive/ abdominal issues for which I take medication and have modified my diet to control.  Finally, I suffer from a panic disorder and anxiety.  For these, I must take medication that has helped me a great deal. Each of these has presented significant challenges to me. I have embraced the slogan "Keep calm and carry on" as a great guide for my life.  I hope that if you are able to make a small contribution, you will find that investing in my becoming a music therapist is worthy and profitable.

For more information please visit my website http://margaretharrison.wix.com/musictherapy