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Growing up in a family deeply rooted in music, I was constantly surrounded by a variety of instruments. At the age of six, my father enrolled my sister and me in violin lessons with a family friend, who introduced us to the basics and more advanced techniques. When I reached middle school, I had the opportunity to join the band, selecting the saxophone, inspired by my father's own experiences with the instrument during his high school years. I participated in the band throughout my three years in middle school; however, upon entering high school, I sought a new direction due to the sexism I faced from the directors, who often showed favoritism towards other students for advanced placements. I discovered that my school had a Mariachi program, which piqued my interest, leading me to join. My father had also played professionally in a Mariachi group, but he played the guitar. Since the saxophone is not typically used in Mariachi, I opted to learn a new instrument: the trumpet. I have been a part of the Mariachi program since my freshman year, and I can confidently say it has been the best choice for me. I have built numerous friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. After suffering an injury from soccer, I turned to music, as it provided a sense of reliability that my sport did not. Eventually, my closest friends became those from Mariachi. We would walk to WingStop every Friday after school and organize group outings on weekends. Additionally, I learned to play the guitar while taking on the role of vocalist for the group. I have also had the privilege of seeing and meeting some of the finest professional Mariachi groups that performed at our competitions. Now in my senior year, I take pride in being the Varsity trumpet and FlugelHorn section leader two years in a row. We are also recognized by the school board for consistently placing 3rd in the State of Texas, getting straight 1’s at UIL state, and having more than half the group earn outstanding performers medal’s. I earned my Letterman in Mariachi, decorated with patches from all the competitions we have participated in. Upon taking on this leadership role, I received an invitation to join my director's Mariachi group outside of school, allowing me to earn money while pursuing my passion for music. Furthermore, I was invited to a private rehearsal of a highly successful all-female Mariachi group from the Rio Grande Valley, where I rehearsed alongside them. Mariachi has played such a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today and I am forever grateful. This is all to say, that music has and will always play an important role in who I am and who I will become.