New Jersey Stage March 2015 | Page 106

ample of how that faith can be rewarded. It’s something Askin has learned over the years. He’s also learned much from his girlfriend Jerzy Jung, a talented performer in her own right. The two have written songs together and perform together on occasion, but mainly keep to their own projects due to scheduling conflicts. “Jerzy’s taught me a lot of trying to be in the moment, trying to feel the music when you’re performing, and losing yourself in the songs and not holding back,” he added. “She’s a true artist and she’s inspired me. I think we push each other in a positive way.” Askin has a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University and is a licensed social worker, currently working part-time in a nursing facility. He spends the rest of his time focused on music whether it’s providing guitar lessons, playing cover band gigs or original music shows. The goal is to move one step closer to his dream every day. It may be a struggle sometimes, but he’s learned to ignore the evidence telling him he can’t do it. And with each day, the evidence is leaning more and more towards the idea that he can. New Jersey Stage Next Article Article Index Events 106