Music has been everything to me. When I was thirteen I decided to pick up guitar, something that would change my life forever. Soon after, I joined the program "The School of Rock," in Michigan. On top of taking three weekly lessons there I became a part of two ensembles, that place quickly became my second home. I struggled throughout my life to have a sense of belonging and a community I felt apart of. I always felt lost or out place when searching for that, and it took a toll on me. The moment I joined School of Rock, I finally found it. It was a safe place for me that was full of smiles, laughter and lots of love! Everyone was unique and had their differences, as well their own struggles. However, no matter how different we were from each other, we all loved music with all of our heart. It was music that brought us together and made us a family. We would spend our days playing hours upon hours of music together, gigging all across Metro Detroit. When we weren't playing music, we were talking about it or watching it. We enjoyed and played anything from John Coltrane to Stevie Wonder to Led Zeppelin and more. As I progressed through The School of Rock, I decided I wanted to give back to the music community, because I was so grateful for what it gave me. When The School of Rock was going through financial hardships, I stepped up and volunteered to teach nine summer camps, two weekly private lessons, and two weekly youth programs. One with ages ranging three-to-seven and one with the ages ranging seven-to-thirteen. Teaching the kids the wonders of music and watching them grow and fall in love with it was one of the biggest joys in the world. It was such a gift getting to see these kids find their place in the music just as I did. I was fulfilling when parents came up to me saying things like, their kid has never been so passionate about anything before. Then kids would tell me that I was inspiring them and that their favorite time of the week is when they get to play music. My teachers turned mentors at the The School of Rock had a tremendous impact on me, leading me to where I am today. They inspired and showed me to how to become a better musician and person every day. To know that I was continuing their impact to my students is something I will always cherish. In 2022, The School of Rock sadly closed down due to the lack of funds to repair the weather damage on the historic building. Even with the physical school gone, the community and family it built stayed together. The values and lessons we learned from our mentors and each other will stick with us for a life time. As for my future, I plan on obtaining my degree from Wayne State University in Jazz Studies to become a professional musician. I also will continue to give back to the music community through volunteering, mentoring, and working with programs, such as "Music Will," to help underserved children have access to music education and instruments. Inspired by Frank Vail's story, I will continue to make it my mission to spread joy through music. While our times on earth are temporary, our impacts will last for an eternity.