Teacher Mixtape

Music is something that is both universal and personal all at once. Everyone loves music, from a teen in high school to an adult out in the real world. It’s also easy to say that a song is good and even great. We can all jam to the same song on the radio and sing the same lyrics, but deep down those songs mean something different to us as individuals. To these eleven teachers, these certain songs have special meanings to them, whether it’s lyrics to live by or the memories the song brings back. So sit back and enjoy a playlist made from the songs that shaped the lives of those shaping ours. Maybe they too will grow to hold a special meaning for you.

#1: “Wish You Were Here” Pink Floyd

This song was significant to me at a time when my friendships were in flux as we all prepared to separate for college. The lyrics express worry and regret about the changes taking place between friends since they've last seen each other. It reminds me that memories are a poor replacement for actual people, but sometimes that’s all we have. - Eddie Mercado

#2: “Watershed” - Indigo Girls

My college roommates and I (still) listen to this song when we are standing at the fork in the road; those times in life when we know we need to make a change, but we just aren't quite sure how. We played it loud on our speakers and passionate in our hearts."Up on the watershed/ Standing at the fork in the road/ You can stand there and agonize/ 'Til your agony's your heaviest load" - Denise McAleer

#3: “Burning Heart” - Survivor

I live life by these lyrics: In the warrior's code/ There's no surrender/ Though his body says stop/ His spirit cries, never!/ Deep in our soul/ A quiet ember/ Know it's you against you/ It's the paradox/ That drives us on - Craig Reuter

#4: “Stronger” - Kelly Clarkson

I set a goal to run my first 5K in my 40's. I put "Stronger" on my training playlist so it would play at the point in my run that I was ready to give up and take a walk break. It always motivated me to push through and I conquered my first 5K race that summer! - Susan Boreman

#5: “Used Cars” - Bruce Springsteen

A friend of mine was a big Springsteen fan, but when the "Nebraska" album came out, he hated it and gave it to me. I liked it a lot, and I think it changed my music listening habits. This song reminds me of the way I felt growing up, my family bought quite a few used cars. - Keith Townsley

#6: “Alive Again” Matt Maher

I don't listen to this song much anymore, but when I was a junior and senior in high school it meant a lot to me. That's when I decided to place my faith in Jesus Christ, and songs like this related to that experience. - Joel Carter

#7: “Song for Another Time” - Old Dominion

This is a catchy tune that reminds me of good times in my life. I can't say it's any specific memories but I just think of my friends and family and appreciate them and their importance in my life. I listen to it almost every day. - Grady Gallagher

#8: “That Was Yesterday” - Foreigner

This song is about a failed relationship, but the song also refers to moving on with your life when something goes terribly wrong. It talks about not living in the past; "it's not the end of my world, just a little hard to understand.” I've had many dark days in my life; especially over the last two years, and sometimes I play this in my car (nice and loud) when I'm down and need a pick-me-up. - Kathleen Goetsch

#9: “Wildflowers” - Tom Petty

I have been listening to Tom Petty since I was in High School. "Wildflowers" has always been my favorite song of his because of the message, "you belong somewhere you feel free." I was fortunate enough to see Tom Petty live on his final tour before his death. It was such an amazing experience to stand next to my husband while singing along to a song I have been singing for over a decade- before I even knew of Tyler (my husband) or that I would live in the state of Iowa. I remember feeling free and loved, and now this song makes me feel that every time. - Julie Murphy

#10: “Be the Change” - Britt Nicole

This uplifting song is at the start of my half marathon training runs. Whether I try to tackle 13.1 miles, pursue my master's degree, or constantly aim to be a better wife and mom, these words inspire me to be the catalyst for the improvement I want to see happen. I hope my students soak in the words and apply it to their own lives; set your expectations high for those who want to date you (you're worth it!), fulfill the training to get the job you want, keep your word whether it's to your parents, your teachers, or yourself. Go be the change you want to see in your life! - Carrie Viel

#11: “Let It Be” - Beatles

This has been a favorite in our house. This was the song that Benen went to sleep with for the first 12+ years of his life as it was a soothing song that both my wife and I love. I had it written as a marching band closer the year he was born. The lyrics speak to me and give me hope. - Josh Greubel

*You can listen to this playlist by following SaberPubs on Spotify*

- Ethan Dickey