Music has been the backdrop to my experiences since my freshman year—through self-discovery and many valuable life lessons—in how I see myself, relate to others, and envision the future. It has not only blessed me with melodies and harmonies; it has given me meaning. Most high school years are about self-discovery, and it is with music that I discovered myself. I found my niche in orchestras and choir rehearsals, where words could never speak on my behalf. Concerts, musicals, and festivals taught me to be confident, disciplined, and a worthwhile team player. Whether I was singing in a chamber choir, acting in school musicals, or working in a quartet, I honed one of the simplest yet most important skills of all: to listen—not only to music but to the people around me. I learned through music the simple act of being part of something greater than myself and the immense power that lies in creating something beautiful in the company of others. Moments spent hanging out late at rehearsals with friends, good old-fashioned moments of unplanned harmonizing, and the rush of joy that comes with a great performance create some of my favorite memories. These are not just snapshots in time; they are moments of transformation. I learned about pressure from them, how to support someone else, and how to stay grounded in a certain direction together. Music has given me the lessons of perseverance and patience, especially for the bewildering repertoire or the preparation for auditions. In these experiences, I realized that growth is rarely an instant affair but rather requires lots of work, practice, and effort. My personal connection with music is with my family—namely, my sister with Down syndrome. Throughout much of my childhood, music was our shared language. Whenever words failed, music was there. The way my sister came alive singing or dancing taught me music can communicate on a much higher level. Those were not just moments of beauty—they were life-changing. They embodied the power of inclusive expression in music and paved my path to teaching music. High School confirmed it for me. I have been fortunate to do mentorship classes and community concerts teaching younger students. I have seen how music boosts self-esteem, encourages friendships, and fosters that unique sense of belonging. I have witnessed the magic that comes to life within students when they have the creative freedom in working together. I will be a teacher who sees, hears, and loves every student. For me, music education is beyond just teaching notes and rhythms-it's about providing a nurturing and safe environment for every child to discover their voice and their worth. From this moment on, music will always be out front. It has given me identity, community, and direction. Everything I've learned in rehearsal studios and performing spaces about grit, empathy, leadership, and connection is what I will take into every classroom I enter. Music has truly shaped not just my high school experience, but me.

Being a first-generation college graduate breaks down barriers not just for my own sake but for my community and family as well. It is stepping into the unknown with confidence, knowing I am carving a path where before there existed none. To me, it is honoring the sacrifices of my family so I can grasp the opportunities they did not get. It is about being the person the younger me needed to see: someone who shows that college isn't a fairy tale but something turned into a reality through hard work, perseverance, and a little help. College was always one thing from afar to me when I was younger. My parents encouraged me to study hard while not being able to guide me through it themselves. There were moments when I felt hopeless or did not know what to do next, but I soldiered on- not for me but for all those who were waiting behind me. The pride I hold in being a first-generation college student is only eclipsed by my resolve to use that education for change-making and pay it forward. Extracurricular activities have shaped much of what I am today. They were my passion: places where I discovered my voice, values, and purpose, places that contributed to my development. One defining element of my life was music. From singing choir songs to performing in the musical theater, music has been a source of happiness and bonding for me, forming a bridge in connecting with my sister who has Down syndrome, and giving us that platform to relate in ways in which words could not always stretch. That very bond is what led me down the path to pursuing elementary music education. I grew empathy, imagination, and expression power through music, and I would like to share that experience with students in the future. I had many opportunities to explore on my own through high school, where I participated in the German exchange program and traveled throughout Europe. Without speaking the language, music saw to it that I communicated and bridged differences in cultures and people. It made me an adaptable, tolerant person, and it pointed out that being different is not a weakness-it's a strength. Through volunteering in my community, mentoring younger children, and rehearsing, every activity I participated in taught me a few leadership and teamwork skills and confidence. These helped me navigate spaces that were not always made for someone like me and inspired me to redesign those spaces so that others would follow. Being a first-generation college student is not just an honor for me; it is a responsibility I carry proudly. I'm not going to college for me; I'm going for everyone who came before me and everyone who will come after. Now I want to create classrooms that foster compassion, creativity, and possibilities-places that are an extension of my being, where every child is noticed, heard, and challenged to dream big.

Music has been a persistent force in my life, shaping me and driving me toward my career. With a sibling who has Down syndrome, I saw how music bridged communication gaps, facilitated emotional expression and created strong bonds. Music was our language of shared understanding, and we were able to communicate with each other on a level that words could not. Witnessing how music impacted my sister's confidence and well-being encouraged me to make the energy of music available to all students. I would be thrilled to be an elementary music teacher so that I may have a classroom in which all students, regardless of background or ability, feel accepted, nurtured, and empowered through music. A Music Education degree will equip me with the tools and skills to empower young students. With my schooling, I will be better able to master my musical abilities along with learning more advanced teaching methods that are student-focused and student-centered. Teaching music isn't teaching the notes and the rhythms—it's teaching creativity, confidence, and cooperation. I would like to provide students with an environment where they can have the power to play, express, and gain a lifelong enthusiasm for music. Aside from developing technical musical ability, I also believe that the study of music is an integral component of a student's emotional and social education. For other children, music class is a time to be joyful and be a child, a break from school stress, and a time to form lifelong friendships with friends. As a future teacher, I would like to create a situation where the students feel free to try, assist one another, and grow to be musicians and individuals. I would like my students to feel the same sense of community and wonder that music has always offered me. Moreover, I am dedicated to inclusive music education. Everyone should be able to receive the life-altering possibilities of music regardless of what his or her situation or capability is. I would like to implement modified teaching procedures where all the students can participate and grow. Using differentiated instruction, adaptive instruments, or an open-ended curriculum embracing multiple musical traditions, I would like to create a program responsive to every learner's needs. Music can transform lives, and I would want to dedicate my professional life to sharing its potential with students. With education and experience, I will be able to be a successful and compassionate music teacher. I would want to utilize music not only to educate but as a means to provide confidence, promote harmony, and enhance the lives of my students. By creating a classroom where every single child knows he or she is special and capable, I hope to instill the next generation with a passion for being music together.