As college students, we experience moments in which we feel as though we’re not good enough. We’re constantly experiencing rejection, heartache, loss, and at times we have no clue where the future will lead.
But one way to escape the constant weight of reality is through music.
Music has this medicinal quality unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It allows us to vanish from the world for just a few hours and run away to our own personal safe haven.
The therapeutic value of music did not resonate with me until after my first concert. My freshman year of high school I watched one of the greatest rock n’ roll bands of all time, The Rolling Stones, perform to a packed Giants Stadium in New Jersey.
That night, thousands of people of all ages and different backgrounds came together for one night of bliss. I was one of the youngest, surrounded by intoxicated 50-year-olds, who looked fresh out of Woodstock.
Yet, age did not matter —we were all fused together by the music, singing, “I can’t get no…satisfaction” in unison. Swaying along to Mick Jagger’s voice, all my frustrations faded and the stresses of everyday seemed to evaporate into the sky above Giants Stadium.
In that moment, it felt as if the world stopped.
For once, thousands were brought together, despite race, gender, age or beliefs. I learned that music accepts everyone–– it has no prejudices.
From then on music became a means of escape for me.
As students, it can be hard to find your niche, especially at a school like Penn State, with a student body of more than 40,000. Sometimes you’ll get lost among the massive amount of people. If you are like me and seek solace in music, check out the State College music scene and treat yourself to an angst-free night. If you have never felt the mind boggling sensation music brings, do not just give up on it all together, there is such a wide variety of genres, one of which will speak to you.
Personally, whenever I’ve ever felt down, I would lock myself in my room, blasting “You’ve Got a Friend” until Carole King was there for me to “brighten up even [my] darkest night.”
Despite any hardships you’re currently going through, music can make you feel truly accepted. Music reminds us that we’re all connected in some way or another. There’s this tacit understanding that everything is going to be all right.
As Billy Joel sang, “We’re all in the mood for a melody” so go out there and find a tune to hum — whether that be the glitchy, bass-heavy beats of electronic dance music, the laid-back feel of reggae, or the heavy-hearted blues—it does not matter.
Turn up the stereo, close your eyes, and take a ride with some of your favorite artists.
Liz Dennerlein is a junior majoring in journalism and is The Daily Collegian's arts editor.
