Faith is not just something I turn to in moments of struggle—it is what keeps me moving forward every day. One of the biggest challenges I have ever faced was being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It wasn’t just a medical condition; it was a complete shift in the way I had to live my life. Suddenly, everything became about numbers—blood sugar levels, insulin dosages, carbohydrates. It felt overwhelming, like my own body had turned against me, and I had no choice but to fight back. At first, I was angry. Why me? Why now? I had spent years pushing myself in music, school, and sports, and now it felt like my hard work was being overshadowed by something completely out of my control. I feared that my dreams—being a musician, leading my band, and pursuing my passion for teaching—would be taken away from me. But in that darkness, my faith became my light. I remember sitting in my room one night, exhausted from the constant finger pricks and insulin injections, feeling like I couldn’t do it anymore. But then I prayed. I didn’t ask for my diabetes to go away—I knew that wasn’t how faith worked. Instead, I asked for strength, for guidance, for the ability to push forward. And slowly, I began to see that my diagnosis wasn’t a punishment; it was a challenge. A test of my perseverance, my determination, and my belief in myself. From that point on, I refused to let my condition define what I could or couldn’t do. I continued to push myself in music, becoming a drum major and leading my band through long practices and performances. I continued to swim, knowing that every stroke in the pool was proof that I was stronger than my diagnosis. I continued to tutor students, understanding that my struggles gave me a unique perspective on resilience and perseverance. Faith is what kept me going when I felt like giving up. It reminded me that obstacles are not meant to stop me but to shape me into someone stronger. It gave me the confidence to stand tall, even when my body felt weak. Now, I want to use my journey to inspire others—whether it’s through music, teaching, or simply being an example of what is possible when you refuse to let challenges hold you back. Diabetes changed my life, but faith saved it. And with that faith, I will continue to push forward, knowing that my purpose is greater than any obstacle in my path.

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories involve hearing my family play music at gatherings, feeling the rhythm and energy in the air. However, my personal journey truly began when I joined my school’s band and picked up the sax. From that moment, I knew music was something I wanted to dedicate my life to. What started as a simple love for playing turned into something much deeper—an outlet for expression, a source of connection, and a driving force in my life. As I grew, my involvement in music expanded. I became a drum major, took on leadership roles in my school’s band, and joined a mariachi ensemble. Through these experiences, I saw firsthand how music can bring people together, tell stories, and inspire emotion. Leading my band as a drum major taught me discipline, responsibility, and how to help others grow as musicians. Performing in mariachi deepened my appreciation for my cultural heritage and the power of music to preserve tradition. Every performance, every rehearsal, and every note I played reinforced my belief that music is not just something I do—it’s who I am. I want to study music in college because I know this is the path I am meant to follow. Music has given me a sense of purpose, and I want to continue learning, refining my craft, and growing as a musician. My ultimate goal is to become an educator and performer, using my experiences to inspire others. Teaching is something I have already embraced through tutoring over 40 students, helping them build confidence and skill in music and math. I love seeing the moment when something clicks for a student, when they realize they can do it. I want to bring that same passion to future students, showing them that music is more than just notes on a page—it’s a lifelong journey of creativity and expression. Living with Type 1 diabetes has also shaped my perspective on perseverance and dedication. Managing my health while balancing intense rehearsals, performances, and leadership roles has been a challenge, but it has also shown me the power of resilience. I’ve learned that obstacles don’t define me—how I overcome them does. I hope to inspire others who may feel held back by their own struggles, proving that no challenge is too great when you have passion and determination. As for jazz, while my background is mainly in classical and mariachi, jazz has always fascinated me. Its improvisational nature and deep emotional storytelling make it one of the most expressive genres in music. I would love the opportunity to explore jazz more deeply in college, learning from experienced musicians and pushing myself to understand its complexities. Whether through jazz, mariachi, or orchestral performance, my goal is to continue making music that speaks to people, challenges me artistically, and brings communities together. Music has given me so much—strength, joy, discipline, and a way to connect with others. Now, I want to give back. Whether through performing, teaching, or mentoring, I am committed to ensuring that music remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Music isn’t just something I do it’s who I am. From leading my band as a drum major to performing in mariachi, music has shaped the way I connect with the world. It has given me a place where I can express myself, push my limits, and bring joy to others. Whether I’m conducting on the field, playing instruments, or collaborating with an ensemble, I feel the energy that music creates. I love how a single performance can tell a story, evoke emotions, and inspire people in ways words never could. That’s why I want to pursue a performance degree because I know this is what I’m meant to do. But music isn’t just about playing; it’s about sharing. As a tutor, I’ve worked with over 40 students, helping them build confidence and skill. Seeing their growth reminds me why I love teaching and mentoring. I’ve learned that music is more than notes on a page it’s a way to build discipline, teamwork, and passion. I want to continue sharing my love for music by mentoring and inspiring the next generation of musicians, showing them that music isn’t just a talent you’re born with but something you grow through dedication and hard work. Living with Type 1 diabetes has made my journey even more meaningful. Getting diagnosed changed my life in ways I never expected. I suddenly had to think about things most people take for granted checking my blood sugar, managing insulin, and making sure I had enough energy to get through rehearsals and performances. There were times I felt like my body was working against me, but I refused to let that stop me. I had to work harder, train smarter, and prove to myself that I could still do what I love. And I did. Being a musician with diabetes has taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of perseverance. If anything, my condition has made me more determined to succeed not just for myself, but for others who might feel like their own challenges are holding them back. I want my career in music to be more than just personal success I want it to be about impact. Whether I’m performing on stage or mentoring students, I want to show that music is for everyone and that no obstacle should ever make someone feel like they don’t belong. Music has given me strength, community, and purpose. Now, I want to give that back.