Undergraduate / "awakened to Lonnie Liston Smith's 'A Gift of Love'" - UF Entrance Essay [4]

Hi everyone, I would like for you all to shoot me some critique for my entrance essay which I will be submitting soon to UF.

Thanks!

Topic:In the space provided, please write a concise narrative in which you describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment in your life and how it will affect your college experience or your contribution to the UF campus community. You may want to reflect on your family, your school or community activities, or your involvement in areas outside of school.

It was close to the crack of dawn when I was awakened to Lonnie Liston Smith's 'A Gift of Love'. I was completely oblivious to the real situation going on behind closed doors and was convinced that everything was normal as usual; the simple Saturday morning routine. When I walked out into the living room, the first thing I noticed was my father sitting on the couch with the album cover on his lap. It was as if he was entranced by the sounds coming from the needle grazing the grooves of the record as he hit his lap with every high-hat, cymbal, kick and snare playing in the song. Although his state enchanted me, what stood most mystifying was the separation I felt between my parents.

My mother sat motionless at the kitchen table with a blank stare. I began eating my breakfast daring not to ask what was wrong. My father then called me to sit next to him. He asked me how I felt. Not quite understanding the question I replied, "Tired" and found that my mother then came from the kitchen table to stand behind me. In an effort to aid the gawky moment, I asked my father what record was playing "A Song for the Children by Lonnie Smith", he replied. He then went on to tell me he was no longer going to be living with me any longer. My attempt to change the subject had miserably failed.

To some, music may mean a song or two that brings them back to a great time or event in their life. To others, music is just something to dance to. For me, music is much more than just a rhythm or dance move, but more as an escape and an outlet for my emotions. With every composition made, a story much greater lies beneath it. Aside from speaking about the divorce with my older brother, I found it difficult to cope with the separation of my family. The eminent burn lingered, with that I turned to music. Through music I found a realm like no other for expression. My turn to music ultimately only led to the best. Academics increased greatly, I developed work ethic and music became my soul passion. This experience has turned my life around. Attaining an ever burning drive to become successful has made this event one that I cannot hold a grudge to, rather it is one that I am glad to have faced because of the benefits gained that will assist me in my college experience.