In today’s music landscape, it often feels like the most popular songs are focused on surface-level appeal—catchy hooks, repetitive lyrics, and beats designed primarily for commercial success rather than emotional depth or meaningful storytelling. While there is certainly space for fun, lighthearted music, I believe much of what dominates mainstream platforms lacks the honesty, vulnerability, and substance that can truly move people and create lasting impact. This trend leaves a gap that I feel compelled to help fill, because I believe music should be more than just background noise or fleeting entertainment—it should be a powerful tool for connection, healing, and transformation. I see myself working within this landscape as an artist dedicated to bringing real, honest music back to the forefront—music that dives deep into the human experience with sincerity and purpose. I want my songs to reflect the complexity of life, with all its struggles, joys, and contradictions, and to communicate emotions in a way that resonates authentically with listeners. In a world where so much is curated and polished for mass consumption, I want my music to be raw and relatable, creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal is not only to create music that matters but to help others connect through it. I want my work to serve as a bridge—connecting diverse experiences and encouraging empathy by telling stories that people from all walks of life can relate to. Music has an incredible power to unite us, to break down barriers, and to remind us of our shared humanity. By contributing music that carries depth and meaning, I hope to foster genuine emotional connections between myself, my listeners, and the wider community. In addition to my own artistic contributions, I see myself as an advocate for a broader shift in the music industry—one that values and supports artists who prioritize authenticity over commercial formulas. The industry can sometimes prioritize market trends over artistic integrity, but I believe that meaningful, honest music ultimately has the power to create a more loyal and engaged audience. Through collaboration, mentorship, and community-building, I want to help elevate voices that bring depth and truth to their work, and encourage a culture where substance is celebrated as much as style. Ultimately, my vision is to use my music to make a real difference—not just in the industry, but in the lives of the people who hear it. Whether that means offering comfort to someone facing hardship, inspiring someone to reflect or grow, or simply providing a moment of genuine connection and understanding, I want my music to leave a lasting impact. In an era where music can sometimes feel disposable or disconnected, I’m committed to creating work that stands the test of time by being honest, meaningful, and deeply human.

My name is Grace, and I’m currently a college student working hard toward my dream of building a career that creates meaningful impact through music and my songwriting. I’ve always been drawn to creative expression, especially storytelling through music, and I believe that the arts have the power to change lives, connect people, and heal emotional wounds. I plan to study songwriting with the goal of combining both disciplines to support youth mental health and use creative expression as a form of empowerment. Paying for my education has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. I come from a background where financial stability hasn’t always been guaranteed, so I’ve been saving as much as I can, applying for scholarships, and planning to work part-time throughout school. I’m committed to making my education happen no matter what, because I know it’s the foundation for everything I want to build in the future—not just for myself, but for the people I hope to help. I became a MOA (Moments of Alwaysness) in 2019 when I stumbled upon Tomorrow X Together’s debut song CROWN. Something about the song immediately caught my attention—it was vibrant, yet carried emotional depth that hinted at something more. As I explored more of their music and story, I began to realize that TXT wasn’t just another K-pop group; they were artists who expressed the complex emotions of growing up, identity struggles, mental health, and self-discovery in ways I hadn’t seen before. Their lyrics often touch on things like anxiety, loneliness, and the pressure to fit in, all while maintaining hope and a sense of imagination. That balance of reality and wonder drew me in and never let go. What sets TXT apart for me is their sincerity, creativity, and evolution as artists. Each album feels like a chapter in a larger story, and they’ve never shied away from showing vulnerability. Whether it’s in their music, performances, or interactions with fans, they radiate authenticity. Among the members, I especially connect with Beomgyu. His emotional sensitivity, sense of humor, and the way he pours his heart into every performance inspires me deeply. But truly, each member brings something unique and essential to the group, and together they form a bond that MOAs around the world feel part of. One of my favorite TXT songs is Blue Hour. Not only is the melody beautifully bittersweet, but the lyrics also capture the feeling of uncertainty and beauty that comes during moments of change. It reminds me of how I often feel navigating young adulthood—caught between hope and fear, excitement and loneliness. Another powerful moment for me was their performance of 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You). The raw energy, emotion, and desperation in that song resonated so much with the idea that love—or even self-love—can be the anchor when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. TXT has influenced my career aspirations in a major way. Through their openness about mental health and the struggles of youth, they’ve helped me become more comfortable with my own emotions, and inspired me to want to help others feel the same. Their impact on me has been a driving force behind my decision to study psychology, and I hope to one day create programs or spaces that blend music, storytelling, and mental health support. I want to help young people feel less alone, just like TXT has done for me. In short, TXT has not only been a source of comfort and inspiration—they’ve also helped me find my purpose. I want to carry forward that same sense of connection, healing, and honesty into the world, and make a lasting difference through the work I do.

One of the most moving performances by Taylor Swift, in my view, was her rendition of "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" during the 2021 Saturday Night Live (SNL) appearance. What made this performance particularly powerful wasn't just the song’s lyrical depth or the fact that it had become a fan favorite for nearly a decade—it was the way Taylor delivered it: raw, intimate, and emotionally charged. She stood alone on stage, playing guitar as visuals from the accompanying short film played behind her, and it felt less like a performance and more like a moment of catharsis. There was no choreography, no elaborate staging—just her voice, her words, and the weight of a story she'd carried for years. That performance highlighted what makes Taylor such a unique and enduring artist: her ability to turn deeply personal experiences into universally relatable art. She didn’t hide behind production; she let the vulnerability of the song speak for itself. You could feel her connection to the lyrics, and it invited the audience to connect just as deeply. In a music landscape often dominated by spectacle, this quiet, emotional storm stood out—and that’s why it remains one of the most moving moments of her career for me.

Music has always been more than just a hobby or a pastime for me—it's a part of me. From a young age, I found comfort and inspiration in singing, playing instruments, and eventually, the technical side of music through recording and producing my own songs. What drives my passion is the incredible power music holds: the ability to connect people, express emotions, and tell stories in a way nothing else can. It’s this deep love and understanding of music that fuels my desire to pursue a career in music technology. Throughout my journey, I have realized that music has the power to bring hope, confidence, and a voice to those who need it most. Many young people struggle to find ways to express themselves or feel understood. I want to give back by making music relatable and accessible to them. My goal is to create spaces where youth can learn not only how to play instruments but also how to write, produce, and record their own music. I believe that empowering young people with these skills can help them build confidence, discover their identity, and even open doors to future careers. I plan to use my career in music technology as a platform to provide these opportunities. Whether through community workshops, after-school programs, or partnerships with local organizations, I want to offer accessible music education that goes beyond traditional lessons. I envision programs where youth can come together, share their stories, and work collaboratively on creating music that resonates with their experiences. I want to help them understand how to use digital audio workstations (DAWs) and recording equipment so they can bring their ideas to life independently. By teaching them the technical side of music production, I aim to give them tools that can amplify their voices and allow their creativity to flourish. Furthermore, I want to assist young artists in recording their own songs professionally and guide them in building a name for themselves. It’s not just about teaching skills—it’s about mentorship and support. The music industry can be intimidating and challenging to navigate, especially for those without connections or resources. I want to be a guide and advocate for youth, helping them find opportunities to perform, share their music, and grow their confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Giving back through music is deeply personal to me because I have experienced firsthand how transformative it can be. I still remember the first time I performed a song I wrote on stage. Despite my nerves, the moment I stepped into the spotlight, a calm washed over me. That sense of being truly heard and understood was magical, and it made me realize the impact music can have on an individual’s life. I want other young people to feel that same magic, to find peace and power in their own musical journeys. While I have faced obstacles—financial challenges being the most significant—I remain determined to follow this path. Overcoming these hurdles has only strengthened my commitment to use my passion to uplift others. By sharing the joy and skills of music technology with youth, I hope to inspire a new generation of creators, dreamers, and storytellers who can use music to change their lives and their communities. In the end, music is a language that transcends barriers, and my mission is to ensure every young person has the chance to speak it fluently and confidently.

The powerful feeling I experience when I perform on stage, run the soundboard for a live performance, or simply watch a concert has been the greatest inspiration behind my decision to pursue a career in music technology. From a very young age, music has been an integral part of my life. I’ve always been drawn to it—not just as a listener, but as an active participant. I started out singing, which gave me a fundamental connection to music, then moved on to learning instruments like the ukulele and guitar. As I grew older, my curiosity and passion expanded into the technical side of music, and I began to explore digital audio workstations (DAWs). I started recording and producing my own songs, and performing them live, which only deepened my love for this unique blend of creativity and technology. This passion has influenced many aspects of my life, including my educational and career choices. I’ve chosen to focus my studies around music technology, aiming to build a future where I can merge my artistic expression with technical expertise. But there was one moment, in particular, that solidified this path for me. I vividly remember the first time I performed a song I had written on stage. Before stepping out, I was overwhelmed with nervousness; my hands were shaking, my heart pounding. But as soon as I took the stage, something incredible happened—the fear dissolved. It felt like magic. In a matter of seconds, I transitioned from terrified to calm and focused. I performed my song perfectly, and what made it even more special was the silence and attention of the crowd. I could feel their understanding and connection with what I was sharing. That moment of being truly heard and understood was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was then I knew without a doubt that this was the path I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. However, this journey has not been without its challenges. The biggest obstacle I have faced is financial. Music technology, while a deeply fulfilling field, requires access to equipment, software, and education, all of which can be costly. I was fortunate enough to receive some scholarships, but they were minimal. I have taken out loans to cover my first year, but beyond that, the future feels uncertain. The reality of financing my education weighs heavily on me. To overcome these financial hurdles, I have been proactive in applying for every scholarship and grant I can find. I know that my determination and hard work need to be paired with strategic efforts to gain recognition from the right people in the industry. I am committed to putting my energy into building a strong portfolio, networking, and seeking opportunities that will help me continue my education and career. While the financial challenge is daunting, I view it as a test of my resilience and passion rather than a roadblock. Ultimately, my passion for music and technology has shaped not only what I want to do but who I am. It has taught me discipline, creativity, and the importance of persistence. Every step of the way, from singing as a child to running sound at live shows and producing my own music, has reinforced that this is where I belong. The obstacles I face will not deter me; rather, they motivate me to work harder toward turning my dream into reality. My love for the magic that happens when music and technology come together is what drives me forward, and I am excited for the journey ahead.

I’m really passionate about pursuing songwriting, and I’m super excited to dive deeper into it as I go through college. I plan to write my own songs, but also to write for other artists who want to tell their stories through music. Music has always been such a huge part of my life—it’s like a language that speaks to me in a way nothing else does. Without music, I honestly feel kind of empty, like something important is missing. It’s been my companion through some of the hardest moments in my life and has helped me process feelings that I couldn’t explain otherwise. I think that’s why music means so much to me—it’s not just about sound, it’s about connection, expression, and healing. There are a few artists I look up to a lot when it comes to songwriting. Lizzy McAlpine is one of my biggest role models because she went to Berklee, which is where I now study. I really admire how she’s been able to build a successful career while keeping her writing so honest and personal. I also love artists like Adrienne Lenker and Phoebe Bridgers because their songs are raw and real—they don’t hide behind fancy words or distractions. Their music feels like a conversation, like you’re hearing their true thoughts and feelings. Tate McRae is another huge inspiration for me because she’s been so dedicated and consistent, releasing music regularly and growing from the ground up without shortcuts. Kevin Atwater’s storytelling is something I really respect as well—he tells stories that feel vivid and meaningful. All of these artists show me how powerful honesty is in songwriting. They’ve influenced me to always try to be truthful in my music, even when it’s uncomfortable. What I want most is to make a real impact through songwriting—not just for myself but by helping other artists write songs that matter to them and their audiences. I think so much music today can feel a little empty or manufactured, and I want to bring meaning back into it. I want to write songs that help people feel connected, understood, and maybe even a little less alone. There’s something special about music that makes it easier to share emotions and stories, and I want to be a part of that. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as someone who was honest and genuine, especially through my songwriting, but also just as a person. I want people to know that I wasn’t afraid to share my true self and that my music came from a place of raw emotion and real experience. For me, songwriting isn’t just about making songs—it’s about making a difference, touching hearts, and leaving something meaningful behind. That’s the legacy I hope to build.

I have always had a passion for music, partially because of my parents' involvement with music. My mother, from a young age, has been singing and songwriting. She performed in talent shows at school, and she has been a worship leader since I was born. My father, on the other hand, is from Mexico, and their music is a huge part of the culture. At every event, even day to day, the families are either playing music, listening, or performing. When my parents first met, they started their relationship by attending music festivals and such, and as their relationship expanded, so did their love for music. Since I was born, I can't recall a time when music wasn't playing. As a little kid, I would always beg for music in the car, in the house, outside-everywhere. Starting elementary school, I was in every chorus class, and every performance, and I even took lessons for ukulele and piano. Through middle school, I was in chorus, and I even joined the band at church with my mom and learned the guitar. In the band, I learned to sing backup, stage presence, guitar, bass, electric guitar, and Ableton. Proceeding into high school, my love for music grew even more, but not long into my freshman year, I began to struggle in all areas at school. I became too distracted with finding friends and having a social life, and as a result, I was slacking in sports, academics, and even music. I wasn't writing music as much as normally, I performed poorly on my band and soccer team, and I was failing classes. During this time, my mental health took a dive, and it was difficult to work towards doing better. It wasn't until junior year that I began doing well again, not only mentally, but in my lacking areas. I had new friends, and they pushed me to do my best in everything, while staying focused on academics. I started writing more to cope with issues I was experiencing, and this newfound love blossomed into a craving for a career in music production. I decided mid junior year to try out for Douglas Anderson, and to my surprise, I got in. I worried that I would struggle with making friends, joining extracurriculars, and just the switch overall, but nevertheless, I took the leap and accepted. Starting senior year was difficult, but after only a month I was getting used to the change, and I was learning so much. So far into the year, I have performed several of my own songs, and I have written more music than ever. In addition, I am making great connections that will benefit me in my career for years to come. After my senior year, I plan on attending Full Sail University, and pursuing a career in music production. With this career, I want to not only produce for well known artists, but I have a dream to give opportunities to high school students and small artists. Being a small high school artist now gives me the motivation to want to do that for future students. I feel that being a songwriter at a non art school for the majority of high school was hard, especially since no one else at my school did the same thing. It was hard to relate to anyone in this way, and I didn't have the tools I needed to succeed from there. Moving schools has been so beneficial, and it's teaching me many skills that I will use for the rest of my life.

I have always had a passion for music, partially because of my parents' involvement with music. My mother, from a young age, has been singing and songwriting. She performed in talent shows at school, and she has been a worship leader since I was born. My father, on the other hand, is from Mexico, and their music is a huge part of the culture. At every event, even day to day, the families are either playing music, listening, or performing. When my parents first met, they started their relationship by attending music festivals and such, and as their relationship expanded, so did their love for music. Since I was born, I can't recall a time when music wasn't playing. As a little kid, I would always beg for music in the car, in the house, outside-everywhere. Starting elementary school, I was in every chorus class, and every performance, and I even took lessons for ukulele and piano. Through middle school, I was in chorus, and I even joined the band at church with my mom and learned the guitar. In the band, I learned to sing backup, stage presence, guitar, bass, electric guitar, and Ableton. Proceeding into high school, my love for music grew even more, but not long into my freshman year, I began to struggle in all areas at school. I became too distracted with finding friends and having a social life, and as a result, I was slacking in sports, academics, and even music. I wasn't writing music as much as normally, I performed poorly on my band and soccer team, and I was failing classes. During this time, my mental health took a dive, and it was difficult to work towards doing better. It wasn't until junior year that I began doing well again, not only mentally, but in my lacking areas. I had new friends, and they pushed me to do my best in everything, while staying focused on academics. I started writing more to cope with issues I was experiencing, and this newfound love blossomed into a craving for a career in music production. I decided mid junior year to try out for Douglas Anderson, and to my surprise, I got in. I worried that I would struggle with making friends, joining extracurriculars, and just the switch overall, but nevertheless, I took the leap and accepted. Starting senior year was difficult, but after only a month I was getting used to the change, and I was learning so much. So far into the year, I have performed several of my own songs, and I have written more music than ever. In addition, I am making great connections that will benefit me in my career for years to come. After my senior year, I plan on attending Full Sail University, and pursuing a career in music production. With this career, I want to not only produce for well known artists, but I have a dream to give opportunities to high school students and small artists. Being a small high school artist now gives me the motivation to want to do that for future students. I feel that being a songwriter at a non art school for the majority of high school was hard, especially since no one else at my school did the same thing. It was hard to relate to anyone in this way, and I didn't have the tools I needed to succeed from there. Moving schools has been so beneficial, and it's teaching me many skills that I will use for the rest of my life.

From a very young age, my mental health has struggled. That's the sad reality for many. It's scary to know that at such a young age, kids can have issues with their mental health. Since elementary school, I've lost friends and nearly lost friends to mental health battles. This is why I want to do something about it. I am going to make a change. I began struggling with my mental health in elementary school due to bullying and small stresses from extracurriculars and school. The issues were there but unaddressed until middle school. My grades slipped, and I started struggling badly, and I felt like there was no one to talk to about it. Suddenly, the pandemic hit, and my once-weak mental health took a toll. Once classes resumed as normal, I did well and tried to make the most out of my eighth-grade year. I was so excited about high school, and I finally felt happy to be moving on from the negative environment at my middle school. High school started strong. I joined the soccer, volleyball, and even the basketball teams, and I was the leader of a band. Then, my mental health once again began struggling. My grades started slipping again, and so did my performance in my extracurriculars. I slowly began fading out of my passions, and by the end of 10th grade, I had quit everything I had ever loved and known. Through the summer, the days felt like the best I had ever had, but at night, I felt so alone, and I searched for comfort relentlessly. After searching for comfort in every person, and every hobby, I finally found my comfort, my outlet, my true passion. Music. Not just music though, specifically, songwriting. I started writing songs and they just kept coming, I felt like all I ever did was write, but for me, it was a release to write about the struggles I was facing and my fears for the future. I decided to try out for Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, for their songwriting program. I was luckily accepted into not only the songwriting program, but the vocal program as well, and I have done exceedingly well so far. Switching schools senior year has been a journey, but I know that in the end, it will have all been worth it. I have a plan for my life and goals for the future. I plan to attend Full Sail University for their Music Production program, and after earning my bachelor's, I plan on moving to Boston and getting my master's from Berklee. With the knowledge I gain from college, I want to begin by producing music for a company and slowly move into building my own company. With my own company, I want to help songwriters get their music out into the world. Since music has inspired me and helped me through the hardest times of my life, I feel that it's so important to continue to make more music to reach all kinds of people from all walks of life and all different situations. Music saved my life, and it could save other's lives. I want nothing more than to make that a reality.

I have faced adversity my whole life, especially in school. Not only this, but I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to graduate high school. Being the first of these two things is, of course, an honor, but it also brings stresses that are hard to combat. Through elementary school, I had straight A's and did plenty of extracurriculars like music lessons, dance lessons, and soccer. Even into middle school, I kept these passions, but as more classes and work were added, my grades started slipping. This was difficult for me to admit and own up to, mainly because I had never gotten poor grades in class, but I also felt the need to be the best in school while maintaining my outside passions. I worked to manage my time better but still struggled, and because of this, I slowly stopped going to music and dance lessons. Starting high school felt like a fresh start, and I started strong, but like in previous years, I slipped up in my schoolwork and faced not only pressure from my teachers and parents but also from myself. My teachers and parents weren't intentionally pressuring me but simply encouraging me to seek help with my work because they knew what I was capable of and they wanted to see me succeed. By my junior year, I found a way to manage my work. I still struggled, but I worked through it and gave it my best efforts. I even joined the volleyball and soccer teams. The year started great. I had friends and teammates, and my parents were pleased with my performance in all I did. But, as always, struggles arose. This time, I lost motivation in all areas: songwriting, soccer, volleyball, school- everything. This caused tension at school and home and took a toll on my mental health. I struggled through the second quarter, but as I always do, I found a way out of this rut. With motivation from my parents, I decided to try out for my dream high school, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Trying out for senior year was scary for me because most students go to their connected middle school, LaVilla. I was accepted into their songwriting and vocal program, and I have excelled in all areas. My grades have been steady, and my mental health has been at its peak. I had to give up on sports, to make more time for songwriting and vocal extracurriculars, but it was the best decision I could have made. Because I decided to chase my high school dream, I am motivated to reach for all of my dreams. I now have a strong plan for my life, and I am confident in my success. I am going to attend Full Sail University for music production, receive my bachelor's from there, and then move to Boston and get my masters from Berklee. After my schooling, I am going to start producing for a company, and gradually branch off and start my own company. I am so excited to reach my goals and have my passion as a career.

My main goal for life, is to bring more music to more people. I plan on attending college for music production, earning my masters degree, and then starting my own company for music production. By building a company of my own, I want to use it to reach out to the songwriters in the community across the country, and even the world. Starting off as a songwriter myself, I notice a deep longing for sharing music, within me. Looking outward, I also notice this among my peers. I want to help songwriters fulfill this longing, from the near community, and even around the world, and I can do this through my own company. I not only want to produce their music, but I want to do so at a low or no cost. Nowadays, music producing companies cost a lot, and this is part of the reason that many songwriters must learn to do it themselves, or just accept defeat and not produce their writing at all. As a music lover, this is disappointing to know that so many songs, masterpieces, have not been heard, simply because of the lack of money. As of now, I am still in my senior year of high school, but I have already began reaching out to the community in any way I can. From performing and posting my songs, to speaking with peers and friends, I am doing my best to educate others and motivate them to pursue their dreams. I am currently enrolled in the music production class at school, and in this class I am working diligently to learn as much about producing before college, so that I can begin my career journey as soon as possible. When it comes to my dream, my only dilemma is money. Things in life are costly, and being a full time student and working is bound to be difficult. Being a first generation college attender makes the process all the more difficult. My parents know little about the college process, and how to help me, and as a result, I have struggled to find help with applying for scholarships, colleges, and knowing what the best decisions are to make. I have worked very hard to get as far as I have gotten, and I will continue working until I have fulfilled my dream, and changed lives, not just in my community, but world wide.

My top three Billie songs are My Future, Happier Than Ever, and Skinny. To begin, my future resonates with me because of how much I can relate to it. In this song, Billie talks about being "in love" with her future, and the song is sung in a way that aims it at a lover or past lover. This song speaks to me so much, mainly because I agree with every word of this song. From telling this person that she feels distracted and she's disappearing almost to telling the person she's decided to follow her future rather than them. I was instantly hooked to this song because telling someone that you're choosing your path and your future over them is so difficult- likely one of the hardest things to do. It's hard to explain the feeling of knowing you'll miss this person, but you still want the best for yourself without sounding selfish, and I feel that Billie said it perfectly through this song. Another song that resonates with me is happier than ever. In this song, she's talking about feeling relief and being at peace when she's away from this person rather than with them. What I like about this song is that it can be interpreted as being about anyone. It could be about a friend, lover, family member, or anyone. This song is such an angsty song, and I relate to every lyric of this song. Dealing with anger and frustration toward a person is very difficult, and being able to channel that into a song is admirable. The third song that I resonate with, and the most recent, is SKINNY. The way that Billie addresses her fans and calls them out in this song is incredible. It takes gut to address an issue you feel strongly about, especially in a song. The risk of losing fans is so high, but I feel that this is the absolute best way that this could have been handled. I like how she addresses the fact that her support has increased now that she is skinnier. Not only does she say this, but she also addresses the pressure that many girls deal with - to conform to social norms to fit in.