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My first freelance role began in my teen years, in junior and senior high school. I played flute and piccolo in the band, and I played piano for fun. Every year, we went to district contests, hoping to perform well enough to go on to the state competition. I performed flute and piano solos and participated in trios. But I soon discovered another role that I really enjoyed—piano accompanist.

Many instrument soloists needed a piano accompanist for their contest performance. When word got around that I was an experienced teen pianist and would already be at the contest venues, I suddenly had my first freelance clients. Through the years that followed, I played the piano accompaniments for woodwind, brass, string, and percussion soloists. Through that experience, I learned a lot that helps me today as an editor and ghostwriter. 

Throughout my teen years, I was the go-to pet sitter on our street. When neighbors went out of town, I fed their pets, walked dogs, mowed the lawn, cleaned the house, watered plants, and took in the mail. 

Being a teen pet sitter might sound like a small job. But as any pet parent knows, you have to trust your pet sitter, and you wouldn’t hand over your house key to just anyone. I feel honored they chose me. Little did I know, those early jobs were teaching me in ways that continue to guide my work today.