Name: Kaitlyn Napieralski
Graduation Year: 2015
Major: Bachelors in Music Education
Current Position: Percussion Instructor at Jasper High School and Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Drummer
City and State: Dallas, TX
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I’m currently spending my time teaching middle school and high school students in the band programs in the west cluster of Plano, TX. I direct the percussion section at Jasper High School as well as teach private lessons to the students at the middle schools in the surrounding area. Outside of teaching, I was selected this year as the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue’s first female drummer. So, if anyone finds themselves in Dallas on a Cowboys Game Day, you can find me playing in the drum line for all the Cowboys fans.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
Evangel was a time of growth and discovery for me. I went on two trips to Vietnam with the Serve Asia group under the guidance of Dr. Martindale. Those trips were life-changing and I have such treasured memories from both trips that I hold very dear.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
When I entered Evangel, I didn’t want to be a teacher. I wanted to perform. I had misguided assumptions about being a teacher. I knew I loved learning about people and enjoyed being a part of helping them grow or overcome difficult circumstances. I also knew I loved to perform and wanted to make music my career, but I didn’t think I was cut-out for teaching and couldn’t see how my compassion for people and passion for music could collide in a career
path. The spiritual leaders, music professors, and education professors continued to pour into me and show me how the Lord had gifted me with the patience and drive to be a light in the schools of my hometown.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
In a world that isn’t always fair and difficulties are sure to come, my time at Evangel taught me where to put my hope no matter what is happening in my life. The spiritual leadership at Evangel pointed me toward Christ in every aspect of my life and gave me the tools to not only be successful in my career, but to grow in my relationship with Christ as well.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Live each day with gratitude. No matter what I’m going through, I always think about how much God has done for me and continues to work through me. Stay humble, pray unceasingly, and know that you are HIS.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
I would look for compassion for others, integrity in their work ethic, and confidence in their God-given gifts.