My name is Roger Weeks and I do many things, but what I am passionate about the most are the songs that I write. I have been playing music for many years now and during high school I discovered a love for writing pop music.
It’s something about the melodies and the feelings that you get when you blast them with the windows down. It’s something about being able to scream, cry and smile to a song that you can wholeheartedly relate to. There is nothing more electrifying and magical than getting lost in music.
Along with having a love for lyrics and melodies, I have an obsession for the business-side of the music industry.
Through hours and hours of research, I became obsessed with what was going on in Nashville, Tenn.
A year-and-a-half ago I came in-contact with a producer down there and recorded my first song. I was hooked.
Towards the end of last year I decided that I wanted to be in Nashville so I could be closer to my producer.
Living in Nashville would give me ample time to perfect the songs I wanted on the EP; I wouldn’t feel rushed. Plus, I would be living in a brand new place full of adventure.
I did not want to transfer schools, so I decided to go to the Global Education Office at Keene State to see if there was a National Student Exchange, or NSE, program in Nashville.
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To my excitement, there was. Without doing much research on the school, I quickly signed up and was accepted into the program. Everyone at GEO was fantastic. They always emailed me asking if I had any questions and always reminded me of meetings and things that I needed to get done.
Before I knew it, it was the end of the summer and it was time to head to Nashville. I was excited, but not as excited as I thought I would be. All of my friends were moving into their apartments and I already began to miss them. I tried to put those thoughts behind me though and trudged onward.
When I got to the school and moved in, I immediately knew in my gut that I made the wrong decision. The campus was not what I expected. It wasn’t as welcoming and warm as Keene is and the neighborhood was not the best.
I knew that the school was not for me and I was quickly regretting that I did not do more research on where I was going. This is something that you, as a student, are responsible for. Always do your research.
I knew that I wanted to be back at KSC. I thought back to Appian Way, the smell of the fall, pumpkin spice coffee — and I saw the faces of my friends that I love so much. Something in my gut told me that I needed to be at KSC this semester.
Some may call me a failure because I didn’t give it more time. And you know what, maybe I would have had some great learning experiences. I am sure that I would.
But if you do not feel comfortable with where you are and you realize that what you want is not where you find yourself, you have to change it. You have to take control of your destiny and rocket yourself into the future.
What I was disappointed about the most was missing out on recording.
However, I will be getting into the studio very soon. In fact, having this extra time will only let my future-songs that I will release become the best they can be.
The morning after I made my decision, I called Keene and told them my situation. They were very understanding and did everything in their power to get me back home.
I had already missed a week of classes, but at the end of the day I was registered for three classes and placed in housing. I was so impressed and gained so much respect and love for my school.
I urge everyone who wants to try studying abroad to do so. Especially because if it does not work out, Keene will find a way to bring you home.
Roger Weeks can be contacted at rweeks@keene-equinox.com.
