Improvise, Adapt, Overcome
“Improvise, adapt, overcome!” It’s a mantra Kyler Peetz has carried with him as he approaches his role as both a student and as a performer at Midland University. Like the actor that improvises a missed line or a musician that moves on from a missed note, a student must be ready to adapt to any situation because the show has to go on. Living by this principle has made Kyler a stronger student.
At Midland, Kyler carries a heavy workload. Not only is he pursuing a major in music education, but he is also involved in the Midland band, jazz band, choir, Clef Dwellers, and theatre programs. Additionally, Kyler works as an instrumental work study and is a member of Beta Sigma Psi and Alpha Psi Omega. Kyler isn’t sure what awaits him after graduation, though grad school is still an option. In the end, Kyler just wants to use experience here at Midland to prepare him for a career that will allow him to continue to pursue his love of performing.
“My dream job is to be a musician, or something involved in the performing arts.”
Kyler was drawn to Midland primarily because of the people he met on campus. He immediately noticed the way people here treated him and he felt that this is where he was meant to be. As a student, Kyler takes great pride in what he has been able to accomplish with the arts department, his greatest achievement he credits as his role as Sir Robin in last fall’s musical production, Spamelot.
Outside of class, Kyler enjoys spending time with his friends. His favorite song is “Savior” by Rise Against and if he had the opportunity to meet with three people dead or alive, it would be Keanu Reeves, Elon Musk, and MrBeast- all for the meme.
For new students at Midland, Kyler encourages them to keep in mind that it is easy to overdo it in terms of involvement. He stresses that students recognize what they are capable of doing and finding time to relax. You’ll be all the better for it. For Kyler, it is important to be in an unstressed mindset so you can approach what it means to be a Warrior in a constructive manner.
“Being a Warrior means stepping out of your comfort zone and not being afraid to take on the world.”
Kyler Peetz is a junior music education major from North Loup, Nebraska. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
