Interview with Joseph Hawkins

https://medium.com/@claufeza/joseph-hawkins-interview-16d5fc78ed10

Interview with Joseph Hawkins

By Claudia Earnshaw — June 24, 2023

We all come to this world with the mission to light the world and lead people to God. The difference is in the way we do it. We must go to trials to learn, find ourselves, and become instruments in the hands of God.

Joseph Hawkins is a musician and Ensign College student, preparing to accomplish his goals and mission on earth.

Joseph’s passion for music started when he was five years old. His brother started piano lessons, which also awakened Joseph’s desire to play the piano. He grew up singing in choirs and musical theaters. As he grew up older, he did not like piano anymore. He had been taught how to play classical pieces rather than how to play and write songs on piano.

As a Junior, he stepped away from what he had learned, “That’s not why I like music; that’s not what I’m about.” He did not know that this realization would help him become a musician.

Joseph had a friend that liked John Mayer, an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. This friend showed Joseph some of Mayer’s music. “John Mayer was a great inspiration. When I heard his music, I got hooked, I wanted to play the guitar. His songs are difficult to play, but I wanted to learn that. Those are the songs I played first on the guitar.”

After high school, Joseph got called to serve as a full-time missionary in England. In the MTC, he met Laura, who is now his wife.

During the mission, Joseph endured many trials and a horrific experience. He had always loved God and had the desire to serve Him. But these trials tested his desire to serve God and others.

“At first, I was angry at God, but I can’t be angry at Him. Bad things happen to good people, and I am not exempt. Because I knew God lived, I couldn’t give up on him.” During this time, the mission president gave Joseph the option to go back home and heal. “I thought about going home. But then I said I am here for my Savior and will stay, even if it hurts. I will do it because I love Him. When I made the choice, God said great, I needed to know where your heart was. Now go home and get healed.”

After the mission, Hawkins did not play the guitar for a year. He was still in the process of healing. At this time, he started the digital marketing program at LDS Business College. “It was the right thing at the wrong time, I enjoyed doing it, but I did not love it.”

Joseph realized that he liked music the most and wanted to pursue a music career. But he got discouraged, thinking that he was not good enough. “The spirit slapped me on the face and said, of course, you are not good enough. You haven’t practiced. Go practice, go learn”.

At this point, Joseph withdrew from college to go to England, where he married Laura and went to Southampton University to study music.

In England, bachelor’s degrees take three because they skip the generals. Southampton University provides a broad musical education across all forms and styles. Students can specialize in music performance, history, composition, and technology.

Near the end of his bachelor’s degree, Joseph and Laura felt prompted to come back to the US so that Joseph could finish what he started at LDS Business College.

Hawkins is currently building his music career. He is grateful for everything that happened because those experiences helped him find himself and his life purpose. “My mission is to help people find hope. With my music, I am here to lead people to Christ.

Laura Hawkins supports Joseph’s goal to help people through his music “Joseph is absolutely someone who will put his all into it! It’s such an integral part of who he is that I just have to be supportive and believe in him. Heavenly Father has made it pretty clear to both of us that this is what He wants Joseph to do and He clearly intends for a future in it.”

Hawkins is producing music, mastering the guitar, and preparing his marketing strategy. He plans to use his marketing background to market himself as a musician. “The plan after I graduate is to start working on audio and content creation. And then transition to a full-time musician. I am working, producing music, and writing music. That is the end goal.”