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Carmen Elyse is the name my parents gave me. There was a time that I didn’t like the name Carmen very much, but it has become more a part of me than I ever realized possible. The name ‘Carmen’ means ‘a song’, and my middle name, ‘Elyse’, means ‘From God.” If you put it together as Carmen Elyse, you have ‘A Song From God’.
Now, why is this name such a huge part of me? My parents started me with piano lessons at the age of 4. I’ve always been a musician, I just felt like I had no choice. It wasn’t until the summer leading up to Grade Nine that I fell in love with music for myself. I attended the Prairielands Jazz Camp in Regina, SK that summer. I played piano in a band and a combo, had a ton of fun, and knew that I wanted to do music for the rest of my life! In High School, I have been so heavily involved in the music department. I have accompanied the choirs, been a part of the annual musical, and perform as often as possible in assemblies, concerts, and festivals. I absolutely love the stage. Over the last year and a half, I have made my career choice. I want to be a music teacher and a music therapist. I plan to attend the University of Regina for my Bachelors of Music Education, and then teach for a few years. I will then move to Vancouver, BC where I will attend Capilano College studying Music Therapy.
So this explains the meaning of my first name, ’Carmen’, but what about my middle name, ’Elyse’?
Throughout my senior year, I went through an amazing transformation spiritually. It all started in the middle of the summer leading up to my Grade 12 year. I made some mistakes that hurled me deep into confusion, frustration, and loneliness. God, however, did not plan on watching me go through all of that. He blessed me with resources (books and friends) that helped me to deal with it and understand how much he still loves me, as well as how I can be careful next time. He brought some new faces into my life to be a source of encouragement to me. He taught me to forgive, he taught me to love, and he taught me to persevere. It has not been an easy task, but there is a silver lining to every cloud. I have lost some friends, but gained new ones.
I have let go of my past, but now have a future. I have let go of old fears, and now have hopes. God called me back to him with the greatest of ease. I am now his.
On December 4th, 2005, I was baptized in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. I shared my testimony with my church family and I know that my testimony touched many lives. God has definitely used my past in my own transformation, as well as many others, I’m sure. God has done wonders in my life, and it’s been really cool to watch how he’s used me in the lives of others.

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