We all know the stereotypes for creatively driven and creatively minded people. We “feel” more than others. This stereotype is true for me, and it was true for my father too. My father grew up in what seemed to be a loving family. Two happy parents, two brothers, a little sister and a family farm all supported the facade that the Schattschneider house was a place of love and joy. Over the course of his childhood, my father experienced emotional and physical abuse in his home, and found music to be an emotional outlet for him at a young age. He quickly became involved in band in high school and middle school and eventually earned a B.M. from the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in woodwind pedagogy from Indiana University. He ran away from his small hometown in Minnesota, because he was afraid to “feel” and heal from his trauma. Yet, twenty years later, we found my father fighting for his life in a hospital bed, due to over fifteen years of excessive alcohol abuse, and prescription drug abuse. My music is my outlet. Music has the power to heal us, connect us, and allow us to “feel.” Through music, I have been able to share my father and family’s story. The connection of music has allowed me to bond with others and “feel” with others. Whether it’s the exchange of an impactful song, or getting to share the room with songwriters and creatives who are currently dealing with an addict in their lives, music has shown me time and time again that there is always a place to share my feelings in a way that helps heal others. This is how I will make a positive impact on the world with my music. Though I do not lead a globally known non-profit, or have the voice (yet) to reach thousands of people daily, I never lose the opportunity to help heal others through my musical journey. As creatives, I believe we are called to connect with others. We have the ability to change lives through our art. Debasish Mridha once said, “Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch.” In my twenty one years of life, I have found this statement to be true and am eager to continue to prove this statement to all those I encounter in my career.