One way others have supported me was by investing in my growth as a musician, especially through scholarships that have made private lessons possible. Those opportunities not only allowed me to improve technique , but also gave me access to mentors that shaped how I think about music and my future in it. Because of that support, I was able to strengthen my musicianship, build confidence in my abilities, and better understand my potential as both a performer and future educator. Many of my private lessons teachers inspired me to push beyond boundaries; I played what I though was the impossible in a short time, having a fast growth in my musicianship. Having mentors who believed in me and were willing to share their time, knowledge, and encouragement made a drastic impact on my development. Their investment showed me that my goals were worth pursuing and that hard work matters. Even through hard times I learned to persevere and push forward in hopes of achieving and working towards something bigger than myself. Beyond financial support, I was given guidance, patience, and a sense of belonging in times where I was still learning to find my voice. One of the roughest times I had was quitting my junior year or “burning out” as music became more of a chore at some point and the pressure to improve became too much. During this break I learned to balance music and eventually build on other hobbies; having a balance in music made me comeback stronger than ever with that initial. As a first-generation student, having people who helped me navigate opportunities and believe in myself made an even deeper difference. One of my first private lessons was over jazz bass and I believe that was the start of my journey to becoming a versatile player. I plan to pay it forward by doing the same for the next generation of musicians. As I continue my education, I hope to teach, mentor, and support young students, particularly those who may not have access to private instruction or resources. I want to create environments where students feel encouraged, challenged, and seen. By sharing the skills, encouragement, and guidance that were given to me, I hope to help others discover their own passion for music, grow in confidence, and believe in their ability to succeed. Just as others invested in me, I am committed to investing in the future of my community through music.