146 I People He's a triple THREAT "I have just always been a doodler throughout my whole life. You should see my biology notes in seventh grade, I drew all over everything in school," sophomore Micah Woods said. Campus was full of talented musicians developing and sharing their passion with the people around them, and sophomore Micah Woods, an athletic training and pre-physical therapy major, was one of those musicians. Woods brought his musical and vocal skills to Harding to pursue his academics while using his talent God gave him to enjoy and to share with others. Woods' family had long been musically-minded. Both of his parents were heavily involved in music during their time at Harding. His mother sang in the Harding chorus, and his father performed with the Good News Singers. Woods began playing the drums in seventh grade, and his brother, who was also his musical partner, began playing the guitar in fourth grade. In his sophomore year of high school, Woods began singing covers with his brother and adding videos to Facebook and YouTube, which he continued to do during his college career. After years of playing music, Woods knew exactly what he liked to play. "My brother and I love to play OneRepublic, Coldplay, John Mayer and the Fray," Woods said. "We really like that soft rock feel, but I really do enjoy playing my own music that I have written." Woods and his brother bought musical recording equipment with which use on some of their original pieces. Woods believed in the power of writing to express his emotions. "When you are going through a lot, sometimes you can just express it better through a song," Woods said. "I like doing that because it's more original to me. It's my own, and I can relate to it." Woods' friends praised,him both as a friend and as a talented musician. Sophomore Carly Trulock who met Woods her freshman year at Impact, said he used his talent for God and for others. "He has a way of using all these gifts God has given him to bring joy to others," Trulock said. "He has done a lot in the past year that has expanded his talent by recording multiple songs and sharing them through YouTube, Facebook, and of course, in person." Raleigh Kellis, a friend of Woods', said his joy and heart for the Lord were infectious. They influenced the people he came in contact with, and showed them the beauty of God. "He is one of a kind," Kellis said. "He puts a smile on my face right when I see him or hear him. His heart and passion for God is contagious." Though music was important to Woods as a way of self-expression and a way to fellowship with others who enjoyed music, it was only one part of who he was. He did not foresee himself pursuing music as a career because the field was so competitive. He was passionate about athletic training and pre-physical therapy as well as music, and he thought he was called to pursue that instead. "God has given me talents and abilities with other things besides music that I also want to pursue," Woods said. Whether studying or playing music, he hoped to use his talents for God's glory, and challenge others to seek the Lord in their own pursuits. Mallory Pratt/Jessica Head
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==