Blessed Onaiwu

I have always been passionate about music, and for as long as I can remember, children have had a special place in my heart. As a child, my mom would often say that children flocked around me, and I myself naturally gravitated towards them. Despite this history, when I graduated from high school, I was unsure of how I would combine my interests in both fields. I went into Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX with the intention of completing a bachelor’s degree in music and maybe pursuing a career in performance, but after four years, I found my calling as a music teacher. Immediately after graduation, I completed my Masters in Teaching with an emphasis in Music. The courses and lessons I learned during that time propelled me to take my passions further and I began a humanitarian project called Operation Owina in Benin City, Nigeria.

This organization is geared towards compelling young impoverished students to be passionate about school and learning while ensuring that they have the tools for success. In a few short months, I worked with several other schools to raise over 400 backpacks and school supplies for these students, and every year we return to give even help and support.

In 2017, I was fortunate to join the staff at Newman elementary as a music teacher and it has been an amazing experience. In addition to helping students find the music within, I have spent the last five years directing plays and dramas and watching even the shyest of children come alive on stage. Once again, my inclination/gifts lead me to begin a summer camp right here in my city, and I have been blown away by the amount of support from the school, parents, and students in the last few years. While some may call it luck, I know in my heart that I am simply blessed.

Ms. Onaiwu’s Music Camp – what should we know?

Ms. Onaiwu’s music camp is a week-long camp for children ages 6-12 where children learn about music and how to express themselves in a fun and educational environment. My aim is to create a community that challenges and nurtures musical fun, individual growth, and confidence in a safe, positive and diverse environment. By providing each individual with a chance to perform, we encourage personal growth in each child to accomplish what they have never done.

What sets us apart is that we not only provide a safe and supportive community for growing minds to have fun, but we empower the children to acquire new skills, feel valued for who they are and develop a sense of belonging.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?

I distinctly remember when I was around 4-5 years old, and our neighbor just gave birth to a baby girl. My mother told me that despite what everyone said, I cried daily to go next door and hold the baby. Although me holding such a small child at my age was a risk to both myself and the baby, my mother would just smile and take me to their house. She would calmly help me secure the baby’s head and hold her in our arms for a few moments, watching the joy in my eyes.

When I look back on that time, I am fascinated that at such a young age, I had such unique desires and fierce determination. In the same way, when I work with children today, I am reminded that regardless of their age, each child is filled with desires, ideas, gifts, and talents. It simply takes those around them to be willing to listen, encourage and cultivate these things, just like my mother did for me. I am proud to say that I listen to the children around me, even the smallest child has a voice. I am proud of everything I have accomplished so far.