Chemeketa Voices

Bethany Schott

Read Bethany's BlogThe year 1988 was home to the release of still popular movies like, “Beetlejuice”, “Big”, and “Rain Man.” This is not what stands out, however, when I think of this year. I think of St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, the day I entered the world with the goal to flip it upside down. I came into the world shocking and amazing people from the start. My entire family thought I was going to be a boy, adding to the already large amount of Schott boys, but was pleasantly surprised with a baby girl that had eyes too big for her head. I truly feel like I was born into one of the best families on earth. I have two amazing parents who have supported me through my entire life, and two goofy, loving, and extremely protecting brothers whom I love with all my heart. On top of that already amazing combination, God has blessed me with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that constantly bring joy and support into my life. Oh, and don’t worry, I have grown into the eyes.

I will never forget my first day of Kindergarten and all the excitement I felt. Something clicked in my mind that day, which has driven me all through my life. My parents can’t explain it and neither can I, but since that first day of school I have strived to do my very best in everything. I have maintained straight A’s throughout my education, and became involved in every positive event I could. I grew up in Brooks, a little town just outside of Salem and attended school in the Gervais school district. Living in a farming community meant I went to smaller schools, but I don’t regret it one minute. The benefit of going to smaller schools meant I could be involved in whatever I wanted. The minute I hit high school my parents said goodbye. Ever since I got my license there haven’t been too many nights that I have been home with my family. In high school I was extremely involved in student government, and held positions as class representative, special events coordinator, and my peak student body president. I was in clubs like National Honors Society, I was Prom Princess, and my senior year was crowned Miss Gervais. Many people would say I was the definition of school spirit, and displayed it everywhere through pep band, assemblies and choir.

That leads me to another huge part of my life music. I began playing the piano in second grade and I have loved it ever since. I also began the flute in fifth grade band and continued through graduation. Much to my brothers distaste I have also been singing since I knew how. Let’s just say my brothers didn’t appreciate it on road trips, but now they support me in what I love to do. I was fortunate enough to compete in singing with the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival. I qualified at state and moved on to nationals in Orlando, Florida. I don’t know if I have ever been so nervous in my life. Despite being terrified it was a great experience and I felt like it was a big accomplishment that I made it one half of a point away from the final round. Many people have questioned why I chose Chemeketa for school when I could have enrolled at many other establishments. It really was a series of events and I believe God brought me here. I was a Salem Academic All-Star and through that was offered a free one year tuition scholarship to attend Chemeketa. That mixed with the fact that I had no idea what I wanted to do and study made me realize going to school for free to take the same basic classes I would be required to take anywhere was the best decision for me. And for all those people who still question my choice to attend Chemeketa I simply tell them, you have to experience Chemeketa to truly appreciate it and all it has to offer.

This is my second and last year at Chemeketa and I will be sad to leave. However, I am super excited to transfer to Southeastern University in Florida next year to pursue my masters in music education.

Updated November 21, 2007 by Marketing and Student Recruitment.