“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone with a desire to find meaning and happiness in life. I didn't have a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. As a composer, I am eager to continue studying the many great composers and musicians of all styles of classical and modern music. One of the most exciting parts about studying many different styles of music is learning how versatile artistic expression can be and how it affects those interacting with the music. There is magic in all music, from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 to Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians and Phoebe Bridgers' Punisher album. All so vastly different yet highly cherished works of art. After completing my degree, I plan to continue my education in music composition to better build my craft and write music that leaves an impact. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my stories, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. It wasn’t a big deal, I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, my desire to create was satisfied through composing music. Music quickly became my emotional and therapeutic outlet, expressing emotions and telling stories I can’t always talk about. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing started as a creative outlet and is now how I navigate myself and the world around me. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly receives in this world. As a victim of physical assault, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, self-expression, belting “Rolling in the Deep” any chance I get. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I get to share my work with. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my emotional and theraputic outlet because words never seemed to capture what I needed to say. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly recieves in this world. As a victim of physical assult, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach to parenting, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey in college as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. I didn’t feel like I had a choice when it came time for me to mature into an adult. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my emotional and theraputic outlet because words never seemed to capture what I needed to say. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Coming out also opened myself up to the hate, oppression, and abuse the LGBTQIA+ sadly recieves in this world. As a victim of physical assult, nothing fuels a passion for authenticity more than those who try to resist it. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not brief rushes of dopamine, but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, performing, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to embrace what the future holds.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

“You don’t need any help moving in, do you?” my father asked weeks before my college move-in day. “No, I can do it,” I replied, fully aware my tiny 2012 Ford Focus couldn’t hold everything I needed. I was used to figuring things out on my own. After my mom passed away when I was 12, my father adopted a hands-off approach, leaving me to navigate life without much guidance. Little did I know how deeply this would shape me—leading me to become a composer at 14, come out as gay in high school, and begin my journey at my dream school as someone who loves Adele, thrifting, jewelry making, and seeking happiness in everyday life. Growing up quickly wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. When my mom passed away, I lost my guiding presence, leaving me to balance academics, a part-time job at a nursing home, and my love for music. My father’s approach wasn’t neglect in his eyes but his way of fostering independence. While I’m still working toward finding peace with him, I’ve learned to value the resilience that independence has given me. At 14, while my peers explored TikTok dances, I was composing melodies to express emotions too complex for words. Music became my lifeline and a way to reclaim the part of myself I thought was lost. My first composition premiere at 14 ignited a passion that hasn’t wavered since. Composing is more than a creative outlet; it’s how I navigate and make sense of the world. Another pivotal moment came during my senior year of high school when I came out as gay. It was a liberating decision that allowed me to live authentically in a community of loving people. Embracing my identity taught me that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear but about moving forward despite it. Now, as a college freshman, I’m finally in a space where my identity and passions coexist freely. Thrifting, for example, isn’t just about finding vintage treasures—it reflects my ability to see value and beauty in overlooked things. Jewelry making offers a tangible creative outlet, contrasting the intangible yet deeply personal art of music. And then there’s Adele, whose authenticity and emotional depth inspire me and mirror the truths I strive to convey in my music and life. Today, my driving force is the pursuit of happiness—not fleeting moments but the everyday joy found in connection, creativity, and self-discovery. Attending Butler University to study Music Composition marks a major milestone, but my journey doesn’t end here. I want to use my story, music, and resilience to inspire others. Whether through composing, conducting, or simply being present, I aim to show that our struggles can fuel our strength. Earning this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and expand the ways I can make a difference. It’s not just an investment in my future but also in the lives I hope to impact. I’ve already overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable, and I’m eager to see what comes next. After all, life is a symphony, and mine is just beginning to be composed.

My decision to join my high school’s music program changed my life. I was a member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I was also a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my high school’s music program changed my life. I was a member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I was also a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my high school’s music program changed my life. I was a member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I was also a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

My decision to join my high school’s music program changed my life. I was a member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I was also a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my high school’s music program changed my life. I was a member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I was also a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

It is a warm day in late spring. Rain is in the forecast. Coffee has been made, and the only lights on in the house are those that emit a warm, pale yellow glow. The windows are open, and the fresh, cool air rushes in as the sky gets darker. The first sprinkles of rain have begun, and you move yourself to the couch, where a blanket awaits your arrival. The mug of coffee warms your hands and you sip as the rain begins to fall a little harder. Every muscle in your body seems to relax, and you feel yourself sink into the couch with every deep breath you take. The smell of petrichor fills the room, and you couldn't think of a better way to spend this lazy spring day. Let this moment last forever…

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which is around the same time I began to notice the negative effects anxiety and depression were having on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal homelife situation and academic workload of classes. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was the first priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes my senior year of high school that require rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and the grieving of my mother who passed away during my 6th grade year. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to be a change in this world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I am currently attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

My decision to join my school’s music program changed my life. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans tremendously. During my time as a band member, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was given the opportunity to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major of the marching band for the past 2 years. Outside of my school’s musical setting, I have won awards for my compositions and have been featured as a guest composer and conductor at universities and with community ensembles across the midwest. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured musical memories is the spring concert of my sophomore year with my high school’s band. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning back to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of the musical opportunities provided to me, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to really sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. I have only scratched the surface on the many impactful musical moments I have had in my life, and I know I will have many more in the future. My dream is to become a full time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and working with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I will be attending Butler University in Indianapolis, IN to obtain a degree in music composition to further my goals. I understand the power music can have on an individual, physically and emotionally, and I want to harness that power to make a difference in the world.

As a gay man growing up in a small town, my experiences with mental health and life as a member of the LBGTQIA+ community cultivate who I am as a person and an artist. I am a flutist, as well as a composer, and I intend to use my experiences with mental health and being a queer man to create works of art that advocate for change. I did not identify myself as gay until the beginning of my senior year of high school, which was around the same time I began to notice the toll anxiety and depression was taking on my body. This anxiety was due to an unideal home life situation, the academic workload of classes, and a busy schedule. The added stress of opening myself up to the world as gay also took a toll on my mental health. I come from a very small, rural town, and was worried about how my friends and family would react. To combat this, I decided to embrace the stressful situations I was facing by seeking help and making sure my well-being was my number one priority. I consulted my doctor about my anxiety and began to see a therapist. I purposefully removed obligations from my schedule to allow more free time for relaxation and leisure. I didn’t sign up for as many classes during my senior year of high school that required rigorous amounts of work. Most importantly, I am sharing my story through my artistic craft of music composition. Currently, I am working on a series of pieces for concert band that highlight the many struggles I have faced while growing up, including stress and depression, being a gay young adult, finding my home, and grieving my mother who passed away when I was in sixth grade. This series of works allows me to express my emotions in a way I know best, but it also allows me to share my story with others who may deal with similar circumstances. I am bringing awareness to issues young adults are dealing with growing up in the 2020’s. My mental health and LGBTQIA+ experience has shaped my life’s pathway because it gives me a purpose for being a composer, which is to raise awareness. We need to destigmatize mental health and the LGBTQAI+ experience, and I plan to do that by emotionally impacting audiences around the world through musical compositions. Around my neck, you will often find a necklace with a coin pendant that reads “be the change”. It is a constant reminder to me that I have the power to use my skills as a musician and a composer to "be a change" in this world.

Ever since I heard the first full chord of my first composition being played live by a real concert band, I knew music was what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. My name is Jack Nesser, and I am an award-winning, high school flutist, composer, and music educator from West Terre Haute, Indiana. As a composer, I have been commissioned to write works for various ensembles, and my music has been performed around the nation in schools, universities, and community ensembles. I am an Indiana All-State Honors Ensemble participant and have volunteered my time for the past five years to rehearse and perform with various community ensembles. This past August, I began a new adventure in teaching private lessons and preschool music classes through the Community School of the Arts at Indiana State University. My musical journey has taught me that music can make a positive impact on the world, and it can also create positive environments that allow for relationship-building and personal growth. I plan to use the power of music to change the world. Music indirectly allows for the space to cultivate positive and welcoming environments through rehearsal and performance opportunities. Musical compositions can emotionally impact and physically engage listeners and performers in a way that can alter perspective or positively change moods. I intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in music composition and continue my education by obtaining a master’s degree in music composition and/or wind band conducting. Because I understand the impact music can have on people through the medium of composition and through the positive leadership roles of a conductor and the environments they can create, I want to use that ability to leave an impact on the world. That is why I am passionate about music. I have been a drum major for my high school’s marching band for the past two years, and that experience has shaped my personal beliefs and allowed me to build relationships with others. As a student leader, I have opened myself up to any band member for guidance in any way, shape, or form. I never imagined the amount of teary-eyed conversations I would have with people after offering to be an open ear. These conversations opened up my eyes to the number of people my age who are dealing with severely harmful home life situations. My sympathy has grown immensely in the past year because I realized you may never know what someone is going through in life, so treat them with respect even if they aren’t giving it to you. Being a drum major has also allowed me to make and build personal connections with band members. Before every football game, my fellow drum majors and I would organize a trip to go out to eat with anyone from band who wanted to go. I also organized student rate tickets to local symphony orchestra concerts that I would offer to all music students. Going to symphony concerts with everyone is still something I look forward to. I have built many positive relationships with people because of those hangouts and have learned valuable communication and people skills. I am who I am today because of my musical experiences, and I can not wait to make a positive impact on this world as a composer and conductor.

Ever since I heard the first full chord of my first composition being played live by a real concert band, I knew music was what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. My name is Jack Nesser, and I am an award-winning, high school flutist, composer, and music educator from West Terre Haute, Indiana. As a composer, I have been commissioned to write works for various ensembles, and my music has been performed around the nation in schools, universities, and community ensembles. I am an Indiana All-State Honors Ensemble participant and have volunteered my time for the past five years to rehearse and perform with various community ensembles. This past August, I began a new adventure in teaching private lessons and preschool music classes through the Community School of the Arts at Indiana State University. My musical journey has taught me that music can make a positive impact on the world, and it can also create positive environments that allow for relationship-building and personal growth. I plan to use the power of music to change the world. Music indirectly allows for the space to cultivate positive and welcoming environments through rehearsal and performance opportunities. Musical compositions can emotionally impact and physically engage listeners and performers in a way that can alter perspective or positively change moods. I intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in music composition and continue my education by obtaining a master’s degree in music composition and/or wind band conducting. Because I understand the impact music can have on people through the medium of composition and through the positive leadership roles of a conductor and the environments they can create, I want to use that ability to leave an impact on the world. That is why I am passionate about music. I have been a drum major for my high school’s marching band for the past two years, and that experience has shaped my personal beliefs and allowed me to build relationships with others. As a student leader, I have opened myself up to any band member for guidance in any way, shape, or form. I never imagined the amount of teary-eyed conversations I would have with people after offering to be an open ear. These conversations opened up my eyes to the number of people my age who are dealing with severely harmful home life situations. My sympathy has grown immensely in the past year because I realized you may never know what someone is going through in life, so treat them with respect even if they aren’t giving it to you. Being a drum major has also allowed me to make and build personal connections with band members. Before every football game, my fellow drum majors and I would organize a trip to go out to eat with anyone from band who wanted to go. I also organized student rate tickets to local symphony orchestra concerts that I would offer to all music students. Going to symphony concerts with everyone is still something I look forward to. I have built many positive relationships with people because of those hangouts and have learned valuable communication and people skills. I am who I am today because of my musical experiences, and I can not wait to make a positive impact on this world as a composer and conductor.

Being a member of the West Vigo High School music program has completely changed my life for the better. I have been an active member of the concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands all four years of my high school career and the unique opportunities that have been provided to me because of band have influenced my future plans of attending a university to study music composition. During my time as a band member at West, I have had numerous performances of my original compositions, many of which I was allowed to conduct and rehearse with the band. I have also been a drum major for the past 2 years. Because of my leadership roles and the opportunities granted to me, I learned that I love expressing my emotions and sending a message through the medium of music composition. One of my most treasured memories of my time at West Vigo was the spring concert of my sophomore year. I conducted the band in a performance of one of my first compositions “To New Beginnings”. The work was meant to capture the celebratory emotions of returning to normal life after the Covid-19 pandemic. The band did a phenomenal job evoking the message of the work during the performance. The experience of sharing my music with my peers in band is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart. Because of my time in West Vigo’s band, I also learned that I have a passion for instilling an emotional connection to music within people. Being able to change a person’s musical perspective and showing them how music can touch their soul is extremely special to me. One day when I was rehearsing with the marching band on our opening number for the marching show, I could tell the band was struggling to truly get the upbeat feel of the piece. So, I asked the band what they enjoyed most about the piece and what was something they could look forward to every time they played it. I received a lot of fulfilling answers to my questions and after encouraging them to sink in and grove with the music, I was completely blown away by the change in quality of their performance. Anyone listening to the band could tell they truly felt the music in their heart, and I was so grateful to have instilled that emotion in them. My dream is to become a full-time composer, writing music that inspires others to make positive changes in their lives and to work with ensembles to instill emotional connections to music. I would have never discovered my dream if it wasn’t for my director, Mr. Gelb, and the entire music program at West Vigo High School.