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Whenever I experience something amazing in my life I always have one problem: how do I describe that experience to other people? There are so many facets of a life-changing event that it can often be difficult to put into words. As a result, I try to find one word that adequately describes my incredible experience.The 2014 World Congress of Music Therapy was one of those life-altering, extraordinary experiences. If you asked me to describe my trip to the WCMT, the word I would use to summarize everything that I encountered would be “perseverance.” Perseverance was present in every person I interacted with, in every session I attended, and in every part of the Congress. I saw perseverance in the music therapy students I met from around the world, some who have almost completed their degrees and some who have not yet begun, but all have a passion for music therapy and want to share that passion with others. I saw perseverance in the music therapy researchers with whom I interacted, who constantly study new ways to use music therapy so that our career is evidence-based and is globally accepted. I saw perseverance in music therapists and other professionals who are persistent in facing the challenges of developing new music therapy programs, usually in countries where music therapy is not yet an established profession. I saw perseverance in every person I met, because music therapy students, professionals, clinicians, researchers, and professors are all determined to use innovative ideas to spread the joy of music therapy around the world. Each experience at the Congress inspired me to persevere to be the best person, intern, and music therapist that I can be. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the WCMT!Laura CribbMusic Therapy Intern, Student at Florida State University, USA2014 WCMT Student Scholarship Recipient
