The path has finally become clearer.

It all came together effortlessly.

On December 9, 2023, I was on my way home from a guitar lesson. I took a different route because of traffic. This route was to go past the Sam Ash music store on East Colonial Dr. in Orlando. I suddenly remembered that I had some cash on me to get a set of new strings for my guitar. I stopped in and saw an old friend who has been working for the store many years. In fact, he started when I started teaching at the other store on the other side of town. This was way back in late 1996.

He asked me if I was still teaching guitar lessons, and I told him that I was. He then told me that the store was looking to hire teachers. I met with the assistant manager who told me that I should come back and meet the manager. A few days later, I met the manager of the store. He told me that he would send all of the application stuff online.

The Holidays came and I had to wait. I emailed the manager a couple of weeks ago. He agreed to meet with me today so we could fill out all of the necessary paperwork. Next thing I know, I am officially hired as a Sam Ash employee! I will be teaching guitar lessons at the store part time. I don’t have a start date, but the manager seemed to think it could be as soon as next week.

In my entire life of starting new jobs, nothing has ever gone this smoothly. It all fell into place as if by design. I feel like this is truly the next chapter in my life. I have waited and struggled for so long, trying to figure out what I was going to do about making a meager living as a guitar teacher. I almost gave it all up once again, just to go back to a job I grew to hate.

I always knew that my path was to teach music. I have known this for nearly three decades. Today, I was validated and vindicated by staying true to myself and believing in myself, and where I am supposed to be.

What’s really nice is that I am an official employee, which means I could maybe one day work the floor and sell guitars. I am very excited about this good news. I have waited a very, very long time for something good to happen in my life. Today is that day.