Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've been singing my entire life; I used to gather my parents in the living room and perform songs I had (partially) memorized for them! However, when my parents signed me up for piano lessons when I was eight, I cried! I did not want to do piano lessons. How was I supposed to do all the fun things I liked to do at eight years old when all my time was spent trying to learn an instrument I had no interest in? Little did I know that piano lessons would change my life. Throughout the first year of lessons, I wanted to quit, but my amazing parents and teachers supported me, and I wouldn't be where I am now without them. Music has been an instrumental part of my educational journey as well as my life journey. I firmly believe that taking part in private lessons and music classes at school has greatly increased my educational value. Music has enriched my school experience, and brought students, teachers and I together. I finally decided I wanted to pursue music after volunteering to play the piano at the nursing home in my community. After I had finished playing, an elderly man in a wheelchair came up to me with tears in his eyes. He didn't say a word but extended his hand to me. When I took it, he didn't let go. Again, he didn't speak, but his eyes said everything. My music had touched his heart. From then on, I knew music was what I must do. I now fully realize the power of music. I found a passion in teaching, when I started teaching private piano lessons at fourteen years old. I have now held a private piano studio in my town for over a year, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and experience. I now want to become a piano teacher, while balancing a professional career as a pianist and opera singer. I want to thank my parents for signing me up for piano lessons and for making me practice even when I didn't want to. I want to thank the multiple piano teachers I have had, for encouraging me to continue and making lessons fun! I want to thank the music teachers at school I've had for enriching my knowledge of music, and my school experience. I want to thank my pastor and the director at the nursing home, for giving me chances to volunteer doing what I love. I have been incredibly lucky to have had all of these individuals in my life, and I truly don't know where I'd be without them, or music.