David Schwitzgebel

Yeyna
Lit/per. 0
1 September 2016
Passion Response
1. Im uncertain what path Ill ultimately take in life; however, if I was certain I
wouldnt fail, I would probably go into the experimental psychology of music. Its a
fascinating field, largely unexplored, but - given how few resources go into its study - its
difficult to imagine taking that path free of failure.
2. I frequently enter a state of undivided, pure focus - a state of flow - in choir.
During the summer rehearsal, as we grew steadily more comfortable with one of the
pieces we were learning, I became completely enwrapped in the texture of the music.
3. When talking about me, my family often implies that I should get into a
prestigious university.
4. I lose sleep for various reasons, but just a few nights ago, my brain refused to stop
spinning over the vast array of effects that music can have on the human psyche. There
may be a link between mental health (as opposed to anxiety, depression, etc.) and
consistent exposure to music.
5. Only four tenors (my section) attended the summer choir rehearsal. Despite the
relative skew between our section and the 20 sopranos/15 altos/12 basses, I - and the rest
of the tenors - managed to hold together our music, balance the sound of the choir, and
bring the pieces into beauty. I (and the rest of the tenors) were inspired to put in such
effort by the high standards of Mrs. Walton and our own desire to contribute to the
strength of the choir.

6. If I had an unlimited abundance of free time (I dont), I would donate much of it

to the practice of music therapy. It directly applies to my interest in the psychology of
music, and is universally beneficial to participants.
7. Even if I somehow won the lottery tomorrow, I would still pursue my education
for many years to come. I would likely be studying and living at some university/college,
surrounded by my fellow students. Though I dont know what path Ill take, Im driven to
continue my studies - to improve myself and the world.
8. Three careers Ive dreamt of pursuing are: teaching (I have no idea what subject);
music (performance or composition/study); and writing (in any context). All of these
appeal to me because - besides contributing to the health, knowledge, and happiness of
the world - these paths will catalyze a lifetime of development of my own mind, skills,
and bliss.
9. I am, without a sliver of doubt, hopeful that I will find a passion - or many
passions - and pursue it, and everything that holds meaning to me, to the highest extent.
Without this ambition, without this drive, the world is empty.
10. Although I dont expect to radically alter the nature of humanity, I hope that I will
contribute the the gradual dissipation of boundaries between ideologies/races/cultures.
This is a curse that has plagued our species since the earliest civilizations - our resistance
to relating and connecting with one another - and I would love to contribute the the
progress away from it.