Some say time is money, but what one does in their unpaid time is what reflects their passion. In the past two years, I have discovered a passion I would have never foreseen: audio engineering and post-production mixing. My name is Alyssa Fraley, and I am a current junior at The Master's University in Santa Clarita, CA. I am currently studying Vocal Performance, but I'm the honorary audio student for the music department. My love for audio began with a required class called Digital Music Technology. When I signed up for the class, I had no clue what I was in for. I have never considered myself to be a "techy" person, and the textbook was incredibly dry. However, when we began to work in the program, Pro Tools, suddenly something clicked! I am now in my sixth audio class, with only one remaining course left. I am also in the process of securing an internship doing post-production mixing at a studio in Los Angeles, and I am so eager to get started. However, even if I weren't looking at a career in audio, I can guarantee I would still want to pursue it as a hobby. Although I have spent almost all of my life singing (as my mom had me performing by the age of two!), and I have always tended towards creative outlets, entering the audio realm has given me a brand new creative outlook. No longer am I defined by the natural human voice- I can alter and manipulate wavelengths and frequencies to create a completely original masterpiece, or simply touch up a performance to give it a "shine" that will make it stand out. The hours I spend in the studio are some of the most enjoyable hours of my college experience. Since delving into this niche of the music and film industry, I have been able to meet people from all walks of life and interact with talent from across the world. In the past year, I've worked with friends from China, South Africa, and everywhere in-between. These talented people have become dear to me, and it is a joy to work with and learn from them. They inspire me to do my best to produce good products, even without monetary motivation. The excitement on their faces when they hear a finished product is a gift in and of itself. Whether I had all the money in the world or no money at all, I would want to keep doing what I am doing in the studio. Every day is a different learning experience, and I am so excited to keep exploring this realm where sound, music, and technology intersect. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to pursue my passion, and I appreciate your consideration in assisting me on this path.