Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
When moving day finally arrived July of 2007, I was full of mixed emotions. My parents were forcing me to leave my home of eight years on Long Island, New York to find a new home in Douglasville, Georgia. I had no idea what I would do without my friends, teammates, and family still in New York. The plan that I had set for my life was changing, and there was nothing I could do about it. Despite these negatives, I knew that moving would be a fresh start for me. My mother also always reminded that I could do well no matter where we lived or what school I went to. Even though I did not want to believe her at the time, my mom was right. I never expected that my new school would be such a focal point of my life and shape so much of who I am today.
One of the first important decisions I made my freshman year was to join the school marching band. I had participated in band playing the clarinet since the fourth grade, but I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at practice after the first day of school. I had not gone to band camp so Mr. Moran, the band director decided to put me in the front ensemble, playing the xylophone until he could find a spot for me in the drill, or formation. I stood there looking at the alien instrument, wondering how I would learn to play the music in time for the first game.
Luckily, a couple of weeks later, a spot in the drill was found for me. Now I had even more to learn, but I was up for the challenge. The first game, in which I actually marched, was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life. All that I could think about was what if I got out of step or what if I can't remember any of the notes. I was glad when the performance was over, but I knew that I would have the rest of my high school career to improve on that performance, so that is what I did.
I am now one of the woodwind captains of the band, and I cannot imagine what my life would be like now if I had not made the decision to join. I have gained invaluable friendships, while gaining confidence in myself as a person and a performer. I love the challenge of learning a difficult piece of music and the fulfillment I get when I have mastered it. Through music performance, I am constantly learning the value of persistence and dedication, whether it be a twelve hour day at band camp or sitting at home practicing. I look forward to continuing my study of music into college as well as the visual arts and hope that I can blend both of my interests into my future career. The future is full of possibilities, so I always remember that even when things do not always go as planned; something great will still come in the end.
When moving day finally arrived July of 2007, I was full of mixed emotions. My parents were forcing me to leave my home of eight years on Long Island, New York to find a new home in Douglasville, Georgia. I had no idea what I would do without my friends, teammates, and family still in New York. The plan that I had set for my life was changing, and there was nothing I could do about it. Despite these negatives, I knew that moving would be a fresh start for me. My mother also always reminded that I could do well no matter where we lived or what school I went to. Even though I did not want to believe her at the time, my mom was right. I never expected that my new school would be such a focal point of my life and shape so much of who I am today.
One of the first important decisions I made my freshman year was to join the school marching band. I had participated in band playing the clarinet since the fourth grade, but I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at practice after the first day of school. I had not gone to band camp so Mr. Moran, the band director decided to put me in the front ensemble, playing the xylophone until he could find a spot for me in the drill, or formation. I stood there looking at the alien instrument, wondering how I would learn to play the music in time for the first game.
Luckily, a couple of weeks later, a spot in the drill was found for me. Now I had even more to learn, but I was up for the challenge. The first game, in which I actually marched, was one of the most nerve-racking experiences of my life. All that I could think about was what if I got out of step or what if I can't remember any of the notes. I was glad when the performance was over, but I knew that I would have the rest of my high school career to improve on that performance, so that is what I did.
I am now one of the woodwind captains of the band, and I cannot imagine what my life would be like now if I had not made the decision to join. I have gained invaluable friendships, while gaining confidence in myself as a person and a performer. I love the challenge of learning a difficult piece of music and the fulfillment I get when I have mastered it. Through music performance, I am constantly learning the value of persistence and dedication, whether it be a twelve hour day at band camp or sitting at home practicing. I look forward to continuing my study of music into college as well as the visual arts and hope that I can blend both of my interests into my future career. The future is full of possibilities, so I always remember that even when things do not always go as planned; something great will still come in the end.