Whenever I feel a certain way or emotion in myself, I express it through music creation.

COVID-19, also known as the "Coronavirus", has changed my life in a tremendous way. Not only did COVID-19 positively affect my life financially, but this pandemic has also affected my life mentally. This challenging year made it more of a challenge for me as an individual to take in information and better myself. Once the news of the pandemic started to reach out to the United States, schools all around the nation were closing down one by one each day ; Because of this occurrence, I had nothing better to do than to simply get a full-time job at a grocery store and make some cash. After a month of working, I developed many life skills working there. I learned how to talk and tolerate a customer when they are speaking, how to deal with a negative environment, and most importantly what I can do to improve myself and take the next step forward. Once I applied these learning experiences outside of work, I noticed that I started to become a more disciplined person to my family and friends ; after this, I started so save some money as well. Another thing I have learned during this pandemic was how to manage my time wisely. Instead of in-person schooling, we used an alternative solution known as online school. Because of my work schedule and online school going on, I already had a lot on my plate and still do to this day. However, because I was learning in the comfort of my own home, received a driver's license, and had a job all during this pandemic, I started to learn how to use my time quickly and efficiently. Once I was able to manage my goals, I started to find the best friends I thought I would never make outside of high school. Friendship is another key element that I learned during this pandemic. I was introduced to an entire new friend group back in September and for the first time in forever, I felt as if I truly belonged in a friend group. After finding my true best friends, I realized that your true friends will be there for you during the worst of times including the COVID-19 pandemic still going on to this day. I learned to have friends that will support you for who you are instead of being supported by your life status. After learning about what matters most about someone, I found the best of friends I will ever make. As a result, I have gained many qualities of myself that I still improve on to this day. Mentally, this virus helped me understand change in life and how to get used to change for years to come. Financially, the pandemic helped me learn how to save money wisely as well as future plans for retirement. Most importantly, this pandemic has taught me to hold no regrets ; everything happens for a reason and the failures that you make are only going to help you succeed.

My name is James Meehan and I am currently learning on how to improve producing music and writing marching drill. Not only do I want to improve my skills on these skills and get my future tasks done quickly, but I also would like to write music and marching drill at the best of my ability efficiently. Writing music requires a lot of time and patience on a computer ; most people write music on a platform known as MuseScore. Writing marching drill is popularly used on a software known as Pyware. With this $500 grant, I will be able to not only be able to improve my technique musically and help music groups, but I will also be able to help with a visual side of view to help marching bands write their drill on a football field. I want to change the marching and music world for the better.