Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Fields . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stephanie , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I believe my generosity comes from my parents. My mother and father are the kindest, most loving and generous people I know. My mom taught me to always lead with kindness, and to treat everyone as you would want to be treated. Every day I stride to be the best person I can be for myself and to those around me. Besides being an incredible mom, she was a physical education teacher and coach. I grew up watching how impactful she was on her students. I always knew I wanted to teach in some way, and to be able to follow in her footsteps teaching music has been a dream come true. My father is also one of the most generous and strongest people I know. He was always willing to provide help and support to anyone he came in contact with. He made everyone feel at home with his generous heart. He built his own company from the ground up and I grew up watching how impactful he was to those around him. To this day I have childhood friends that remind me how influential my dad was in their lives. I’m truly grateful for both of my parents for teaching me how generosity is truly impactful on others and yourself. You never know what someone is going through, and it is important to always be loving and kind to everyone.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a music teacher for children and young adults of all abilities. My mission is to provide a safe space of inclusion for children and young adults with diverse abilities to learn music. Utilizing instrumentation, vocalization and movement as tools for each individual. Music is something that connects us all. It provides us with a safe space to laugh, cry, communicate and work through our emotions. Songs provide stories in which we can relate to. We are able to feel seen and heard through music. My biggest goal is for my students to feel that same way. That their voices matter. Working with a lot of neurodiverse individuals has taught me how important it is for their voices to be heard. Music provides a safe space for everyone to come together as one. Music has provided me the greatest amount of happiness, and to be able to share my love of music with my students has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Being a musician myself, I always knew I wanted to do more. I had a lot of mentors that made it seem as though practicing rigorously and getting it just perfect was the only way to succeed, and I knew I wanted to change that narrative. I remember thinking I had to be perfect at singing or playing guitar, and I would strive for that perfection and it never was enough. I believe music isn’t about perfection, but rather embracing the imperfection and having fun with it. The pressure then falls away, and you are able to completely let go and embrace music in its purest form. I want my students to know that each one of them are gifted and bring their own unique creativity and style to any song they work on or perform. I am so grateful that I get to do what I love for a living. I have met the most important people in my life through music, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. That’s the thing about music. It changes you in the best of ways, and connects you with the right people at the right time. It’s magic.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities, skills and knowledge that impacted my journey were patience, perseverance and understanding. I learned to be patient with myself and my own journey. That good things really do take time. You will be exactly where you are meant to be if you are patient with the process. It’s the hardest thing but it is also the most worthwhile and rewarding outcome to receive. By being patient with my own journey, I was able to apply that towards teaching. Each student has their own timeline, and even when it seems like the smallest breakthrough it is the biggest for them. Perseverance goes hand in hand with patience as well. It’s through perseverance that I was able to continue on my journey despite all of my own doubts and roadblocks along the way. Even if it seems like you are getting nowhere, I promise you are. Through perseverance we can do anything we set our minds towards. And with understanding I was able to apply my own experience with those to whom I teach. Understanding that being seen and heard is all we want from one another. We all deserve that. Everyone’s voice matters, it’s so important that I provide that. It was something I strived to have growing up. It’s through understanding that allows us to accept each other for exactly who we are without judgment. The biggest advice I would give to others is to be kind to yourself. The road is hard, but also beautiful. You will encounter a lot of roadblocks along the way, but don’t be defeated by them, instead embrace the bumps and turns. You might end up on a path you never thought you would be on, but it’s ultimately exactly where you are meant to be.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Currently I am facing the challenge of being a new mom. My daughter is a little over a month old. It has been by far the hardest experience of my life as well as the most beautiful one. I have been dealing with a lot of different emotions and working through challenges I never have encountered before. It’s honestly been my hardest journey in life thus far. Every day I am learning more about myself and how to be a good mother. I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared for motherhood. I am learning that asking for help and being vocal about your feelings are so important. That it’s okay if you aren’t okay today, that doesn’t make you a bad mother or person, it makes you human. It’s all a process and everything is temporary. Being patient and kind to yourself is vital. We are all stronger than we think, and are able to overcome even the most challenging obstacles in life.
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