Wide brown eyes, full cheeks and two crooked front teeth. Everyone could see those two teeth as my smile grew immensely, making those cheeks even fuller. Only the anticipation of learning vocals, attending to dance intensives, and preparing for a performance could create a smile to grow that wide. My eight-year-old self strutted into musical theatre camp practically jumping up and down. I was intimidated by the teachers and counselors analyzing the crowd, but I was also eager to be in a room with people who were also obsessed with singing. Prior to this camp, I had never performed on stage. When I was backstage, the feeling of uneasiness hit me like a truck. I was shaking uncontrollably. I sang for my family mostly, and they told me I was good. As a child, you believe everything you’re told, and I believed I was so talented that I was going to be walking across a red carpet one day. Even if I was a tad full of myself, I know having that confidence was the extra push I needed. I worked up enough courage to step onto that stage. I don’t recall the actual performance, but I remember the warmth of the lights and the golden beam across my face. A wave of comfort washed over me. This blanket of security prompted me to continue performing in more camps, intensives and musicals for the next seven years. During the summer of 2021, I worked as a counselor at the musical theatre camp where I began one of my favorite pastimes. A mob of about forty kids rushed through the door. I’ve always been great working with kids due to the fact I have three younger siblings. I scanned the crowd and found a new pair of brown eyes, full cheeks and two crooked front teeth. Her name was Hanna and she was nine years old. Her face beamed with excitement, and she couldn’t stop jittering. It was strange how familiar she seemed. We had never met before, but I knew her. She was eight-year-old me. That night, I went to watch my little brother’s baseball game and I made eye contact with those big brown eyes again. Turns out, our brothers played for the same team! We kept each other entertained for six innings. She asked me about my experiences in theatre. I told her all about the shows I had performed, the friends I had made and how I had developed a passion for music. For the remainder of the four-week camp, Hanna and I became inseparable. Every day she would fly through the doors and give me the biggest hug. She always looked to me for reassurance, even though she didn’t need it because that little girl is extremely talented. I adored all kids I worked with, but I felt obligated to look after Hanna. She was like my little sister, and I wanted to continue to foster her love for music. Everytime she rehearsed, I would watch her brown eyes widen and her crooked teeth instantly appear. Hanna’s expressions displayed her love for singing. Encouraging Hanna to find the confidence to perform has helped me realize that I want to teach other children to develop a passion for music. I adore the idea of seeing students’ faces light up with excitement and wonder, just like Hanna’s did. I want the chance to guide students through the world of music that has given me an outlet for creativity and stress, multiple friendships, and the confidence to stand up in front of a classroom and inspire future musicians.