Let me tell you, sitting in the Georgia heat peak summer time isn’t for the weak. Luckily, I’m not weak. When I realized I had actually gotten tickets to this band, Ocean Alley, I was over the moon. At the time I had bought them for me and my now ex boyfriend, but as the date drew closer I decided my best friend was a more suitable option. Me being a complete and utter fangirl, decided to drag my best friend out of my house at the ripe time of 8:30 to go and sit in line for this concert. Mind you, the concert doors opened at 7 p.m. that night. By time we had gotten to the venue we had an easy 9 hours to kick back and relax. As the conversation started to die out, sour thoughts of longing filled my head. As I mentioned, my ex was supposed to be there with me. My best friend knowing that, did everything in her power to cheer me up through card games, silly jokes, and mundane snacks; It worked. I soon forgot why I was longing for something that obviously wasn’t meant for me, and I thank her for that. Now blissful conversation is always nice, but what really made this concert one I’ll never forget is how interactive the members of the band were. Whilst sitting outside, on multiple occasions, members of the band would stop and interact with us, constantly checking in on us. This lighted our mood and made any lingering angst dissipate. By the time of the concert, we had finally made it inside the venue and were surrounded by hundreds of people. Before we knew it, Ocean Alley had appeared on stage and began their set. This was the most interactive concert I had been to, and really opened my eyes to how bright the right people can make life. This band that I had initially resonated with my ex, had now become a part of ME. It’s a weird feeling that’s hard to put into words, but it felt as though I had truly found myself. I was able to turn a bittersweet occasion into one that would now become a vital part of me. Ocean Alley was a catalyst for self-growth, reflection and love. While Ocean Alley was the best concert I had ever been to, the first concert I actually attended was Big Time Rush featuring Victoria Justice. Now just imagine an insane eight year old, who was able to breathe the same air as her favorite boy band. Do you have an image? Well take that and multiply it by 10, I was a mess. That’s exactly what I was. My mom had surprised my sister and I after school with the tickets, and we didn’t know how to act. This was a moment I got to share with two of the most important people in my life, and I’m glad to say it was my first concert. At the time my mom didn’t realize the effect this would have on me. After this concert, I had truly been inspired by music and began to go off the rails. Music had become my sanctuary, and at any given moment I would have my headphones in listening to whatever I could get my hands on. While this concert may not have been the best in my lifetime, it did in fact shape me, and change me. I think ultimately in that moment I had become one with the sound of music and realized just how beautiful it can be.

The sensational superstar, or otherwise known as mother, Chappell Roan has helped me establish peace and tranquility with her music. She conveys the feelings of love, power, and mourning so beautifully within' her lyrics and rhythm. She perfectly portrays the struggles of girlhood especially within the lesbian community. Chappell has opened my eyes to the vulgar and almost chaotic feelings of loving another woman. Growing up I was confused with my sexuality and still am, but the more I listen to her music and focus on what she's actually saying, the more I relate. It's hard to put a label on yourself, especially when it seems like others around you are already comfortable in their own skin. Chappell has helped me look at not only the bigger picture but also the one hidden in plain sight. We don't have to understand ourselves all the time, and we can do bad things when we're confused, but that doesn't make anyone a bad person. Chappell has made me realize that I don't need to label myself and put my feelings aside when someone is exploiting them for personal gain. We as people can grow in private, and change our ways, and Chappell has helped me do just that. With that being said, Chappell portrays many different era's when she performs, connecting even more with her audience. When she steps on any stage, she makes it her own, and has given me and thousands of other girls the same confidence, just through her music. When a new artist comes out of the blue, many people bandwagon off the fame and popularity till it dies down, but with chappell, she's created a safe space for people alike to confide in her music and feel what she's felt. This allows her music to impact generations, not just one specific age group. Chappell understands the importance of being comfortable with yourself before being comfortable with someone who doesn't even know you. I support her career because I think it's important to have a role model especially one that is able to encourage and embrace many different people. I can only hope and pray that as Chappell get bigger she realizes how powerful her music is, and uses that to her advantage. She has the power to control the masses, and I truly believe with time she'll do just that.