Energizing Every Moment

by Elsa Spraggins

The streets of Nashville buzzed with excitement as fans flocked to the stages. The CMA Fest takes place every year, but this year music truly echoed from every corner of the city, weaving a tapestry of Tennessee’s country music soul. Nearby in a small trailer, Carry, a firsttime performer, rehearsed. The small size of her trailer, compared to the other artists, confirmed Carry’s fears of inadequacy. However, as she walked on stage, she didn’t know that because of her local electric co-op’s support, her future was about to change.

The co-op’s commitment to expanding broadband, providing leadership opportunities, and fostering community development not only helped Carry pursue her dreams but also highlighted how electric co-op’s "energize every moment.” Like the one before Carry, Tennessee electric co-ops continue to power the growth of Tennessee’s communities.

Before the bright lights of Nashville and the thrill of the CMA Fest, music star Carry Vegas’, journey began in the quiet corners of her rural hometown, a place where dreams of stardom seemed as distant as the city skyline. There was one music shop in the small town. Carry had taken lessons there until she outgrew the place. Nestled among rolling hills, she soon realized that the town offered little for an aspiring musician.

That all changed when the local electric co-op introduced its broadband initiative. For the first time, the town had reliable, high-speed internet. Suddenly, Carry could access online tutorials, connect with musicians, and upload her songs. This changed life in the little town as students no longer huddled by the school parking lot to catch a fleeting signal; they could do things from home. Dreamers like Carry were no longer tethered by the limits of small-town roots. Carry discovered that her music could travel; songs she’d once shared with close family and friends were now finding their way into the hearts of strangers. This wasn’t just about technology—it was a promise that no dream was too big and no place too rural.

In the same small town, Jesse, a 25-year-old aspiring sound engineer, was experiencing the co-op’s effects. On a trip to Nashville, Jesse participated in his co-op’s youth program, gaining technical skills and guidance from mentors who taught him how to turn his interest into a career. At this youth program, Jesse met Carry; her honey-colored hair captured his attention, but her guitar playing kept him staring. Throughout the program, the two developed a friendship, sharing rural roots and a passion for music. They also shared a mentor for the week, Mrs. Harper, a co-op member and music mentor, who helped the two access the tools to pursue their dreams. Jesse gained experience with sound engineering, while Carry refined performance skills.

A few years later, Jesse and Carry were invited to attend a regional scouting event. This was a highly anticipated showcase hosted in Nashville, drawing musicians from small towns across the region. Industry professionals, including CMA Fest scouts, attended to discover fresh talent and provide emerging artists with a platform to share music.

After her performance, Carry sat with Jesse. Her guitar rested in her lap as the sun dipped below the rolling hills. “You’ve come a long way since we met at the youth program,” Jesse said, adjusting the strap of his equipment. “But your sound… it’s good, Carry. It could be incredible.”

Carry’s cheeks flushed. A nervous habit, she strummed a melody quietly, thinking about what Jesse said. Her playing faltered when her phone buzzed. She picked it up absentmindedly, freezing upon reading the subject… “Congratulations! You’ve Been Selected for CMA Fest!” Her heart pounded! She opened the email with trembling hands, her eyes darting to words that confirmed what she scarcely dared to hope: her performance this morning at the scouting event had earned her a spot at the CMA Fest.

She showed Jesse and the two embraced. He spoke, still holding Carry tightly, “Let me help you make your sound perfect for the concert.”

Carry hesitated, “You really think I’m ready for something that big?”

Jesse nodded, “The world deserves to hear your music the way it was meant to be heard. Besides, Mrs. Harper always said we’d do great things, right? Let’s prove her right.”

Nearby, Mrs. Harper watched the two with pride. “That’s what the co-op is all about.” She spoke warmly, walking up to the two. “Supporting one another, building each other up.” She turned to Carry–eyes gleaming. “This is a wonderful opportunity. You’ve got talent, Carry.”

Carry felt her chest tighten with emotion. “I don’t know what to say… thank you, I won’t let you down.”

Later, Carry thought of the quiet farmland of her home that she was so distant from now, and whispered to herself, “This is just the beginning.”

Under the dazzling lights of the CMA Fest stage and the eyes of her fans, Carry gripped her guitar, her heart pounding in time with the roar of the crowd. As she strummed the final chords of her song, “Energizing Every Moment,” the audience fell silent, captivated by her raw emotion. Jesse and Mrs. Harper stood backstage, beaming with pride. As the applause echoed, Carry’s journey came full circle—an example of how co-ops 'energize every moment' by strengthening the cultural fabric of rural towns. Carry’s story proves that with co-op support and broadband expansion, dreams can flourish.