German Immersion Trip

When my son was in 5th grade, he received a scholarship to music camp that changed his life. Yes, there were long nights of eating in the car with small children while he's auditioning, but I just want you all to know that while I have done everything I can to provide, I have not been perfect. I have had my own struggles.

Others in the community and school system saw the talent AND frustration that came along with my son (and me haha) and nurtured him as well because it takes a community--they picked up where I fell short. He moved from one school to another-- as he faced strong racism, criticism and jealousy to the point where he broke down to me one night after rehearsal and said he doesn't want to be good anymore because people are still mean--if not meaner. Can you imagine that conversation as a mom? I want to once again thank those we never judged my son but instead, got to know him and what his passions AND struggles are/were. To those in the community who welcomed us with open arms as we navigated life and continue to do so. Small blessings go such a long way in the bigger picture. Namaste. Thank you for all the well wishes.

My son wants to relocate to Germany for school at least, if not indefinitely. This was to be his summer away (2020) and make some plans while there, but now he is scared/nervous to just show up for college/work without having spent some time there. We hosted two exchange students last year so he could practice speaking and learn a little more, but that wasn't enough.  He was scheduled to also be an exchange student, which was cancelled.  He also won a scholarship to Germany as well, which too was cancelled.  Since all his #college endeavors are performing arts based (music, language) as opposed to solely academic, the pandemic has put a major kink in his journey. 

 He taught himself how to play piano by learning cords on YouTube and then he just remembered everything like he does with the six other instruments he plays! He started on viola--His main instrument is Oboe now, however. I believe access is key to success, and I always had instruments in the house for free play as he was growing up. He generally would play when he was upset, but it worked as a great outlet!! We were blessed to have the ability to provide these things. He's exploring being a German music teacher or musician, or even conductor/maestro!

While I understand that his situation is not that unique, I also know that there are others who have more to give and we are reaching out.  At this point, I am asking for donations so that he can travel abroad to Germany and be immersed in the culture so that he can have another life changing experience and pick up where he left off.   Langston has worked extremely hard, and I want to see him succeed. His immersion into the German culture would build on his confidence to move forward with his education and career and allow him to "scout" the area for future endeavors as a German speaking, American musical ambassador.

We have struggled as a family in Anne Arundel County to break the stereotypical norms and I am very proud of him for always being respectful and kind. I hope that society will continue to see him in the same light. I love him so much. Thank you to everyone who has helped us along our journey. Namaste.


Accomplishments:

Senior Student, North county High School, GPA 3.6, current

Concert Band, Principal Oboe, 2018-current

Symphonic Orchestra,  Principal Oboe, 2018-current

String Orchestra, Principal Viola, 2011-curent

Color Guard Captain, 2019-current

Marching Band Section Leader, Tuba, 2017-2019

Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, Scholarship, Oboe, 2019-current
*Played in Carnegie Hall alongside Tori Kelly & Colbie Caillat

Winner of USA Klett Award, American Association of Teachers of German 2019