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In the summer of 2010, I was given the opportunity to be immersed in the beauty, heart, and soul that is the Jamaican culture. I was also lucky enough to share God’s amazing gift of music with the Jamaican people. Through the Jamaican Field Service Project, I was touched by those whom Jamaican society has ignored, forgotten, and cast aside. I learned some challenging life lessons from a group of people the world labeled as homeless, sick, and disabled.The culture of Jamaica is incredibly rich in music and people. Jamaican music has everything to offer about its people and is a living testament to who they are. Influences come from all aspects of life, from gospel hymns to ska beats and everything in between. The music in Jamaica isn’t just for the pure enjoyment of listening; it contains elements of life in Jamaica and is a cultural portrait of the people. Poverty, struggle, social issues, frustrations, joys, celebration, and many other emotions and events are represented in the words of Jamaican music. It was almost as if their songs were their gifts to share, as they didn’t have any worldly possessions to show us.I feel that this experience allowed me to realize how blessed I am to work in a profession in which I can give back to people who truly need it each and every day of my life. However, I feel as if I owe a great debt to these people, as I will never be able to reciprocate the wonderful gifts they gave me during my opportunity to work with them. Music therapy is not just the process of change through using music to achieve non-musical goals, but it is a meaningful and life-changing relationship that develops over the course of time.Katie Myers, Music Therapy Graduate Student at Florida State University, USA
