A Little bit About Caidence

 Hey everyone!

I’m so excited to see what amazing things we all create with these blogs. My name is Caidence, and I’m currently attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working toward my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Fairbanks has been home for about 14 years now—I moved here from Florida when I was 8 years old. I absolutely love the beauty of Alaska, but I’ll admit, I do miss Florida sometimes. I’m the oldest of seven siblings, and that role shaped me in big ways. Starting around the age of nine, I stepped into more of a “mom” role for three of my siblings when their mom wasn’t able to be there for them. While I’m grateful for the bond I formed with them and all that I learned, it also created challenges. The situation caused a lot of family arguments and tension, which was sometimes overwhelming. Through all of that, the one thing that consistently helped me cope was music. Music has been such a huge part of my life, and I’d love to share a little bit about my journey with it.

Back in fourth grade, I decided to join band and picked up the clarinet. I really enjoyed it, but I found myself loving choir even more. By the next year, I chose to focus fully on choir instead of band, and I don’t regret it for a second. From third through eighth grade, choir became my safe space. There was something magical about singing together as one big group—everyone’s voices blending and harmonizing. It always gave me chills, but more importantly, it gave me peace during some very chaotic times in my personal life.

Music has always been my way of coping with emotions, but it’s also been something so much bigger. After my family went through a really rough patch, music is what helped bring us back together. These days, we gather at my family’s house at least once a week. My dad plays the drums, my brother plays the guitar, and I sing. Those moments are priceless to me.

Music pretty much saved my family, and I will forever cherish the role it has played in my life—and the way it continues to heal, connect, and inspire.

(Picture of my dad and I in 2009 at his drum set)