Undergraduate / Music as a major component of my personal identity - Common App Short Essay [5]

Music is a major component of my personal identity. Participation in Marching Band, Symphony Band, Jazz Band, the Detroit Civic Youth Ensemble, and the Belleville Community Band have enriched my life and helped me develop skills in leadership, responsibility, and commitment. Being part of a group with the goal of performing well for others generates a true sense of ownership and dedication. While playing my trombone during the half-time show at football games, I know that my peers are depending on me to concentrate and contribute to the show to the best of my ability. My experiences with music have taught me the value of persevering to gain success.

Undergraduate / "A Proud African and a Proud Band Geek": Evaluate an ethical dilemma [5]

It was my first home game as a Drum Minor. Our Marching band was fortunate this year to have all of our shows to be hosted in a real college football stadium. Standing on my podium, I look to my left waiting for my best friend to cue in the band to play. I felt the heat generate through my body, and the adrenaline pumping through my veins. My hands trembling and I think to myself, "Wow...this is for real!" At the end of the show I sat down in the stands looking back at my past at a boy raised by his single mother from Africa who was trying to make ends meet with three boys in a challenging country. A boy Trying to find out the type of person he wanted to become with the confusion of American culture at school and the African culture at home. Who struggled not being understood by both cultures which left him alone most of the time. Who found a Band program with people who all had struggles in their live who came together as one because of music, and later realized that instead of trying to fit in he should focus on trying to be his own person instead of what both cultures were telling him to be. Eventually when he started being himself other people started to like him for who he was. He was a person who loved music, people, and his african culture. I look back at that thankful for what I have now. I made friends who accepted me for who I am and who have taught me how to participate and be an effective leader. In band I found friends who made me realize that education is what really is important. From that I wanted to do well in school and be a prime example to my brothers who are going through the same thing I did when I was young. If it weren't for marching band I would have been lost and for that I am forever grateful. I am a Proud African who is also a proud Band Geek.