Some of my most meaningful memories with my dad are not defined by grand gestures or expensive gifts, but by the quiet sacrifices he made and the intentional time he chose to spend with me. One memory that stands out most vividly is the day he surprised me with a trip to Kings Dominion. A trip that felt exciting in the moment, but now carries even more meaning, especially with him currently deployed in Africa. What made the trip especially meaningful was that it was just the two of us. My mom and sister had gone on a separate trip, and instead of staying home, my dad decided to make that time count by planning something special for me. I didn’t realize then how rare and valuable that one-on-one time was. It wasn’t just a family outing, it was a moment where I had his full attention, something I now recognize as a gift in itself. I had no idea at the time how much effort went into making the trip happen. My dad rented a car even though he couldn’t really afford it, simply because he wanted the experience to be memorable. As a kid, I only saw the excitement of going somewhere fun. Now, I understand that the car rental was a sacrifice, a quiet choice he made to put my happiness before his own comfort or finances. That realization has stayed with me. The night before we left, we stayed up late eating snacks, laughing, and talking about random things. There was no schedule to follow and nowhere else we needed to be. It was just us, enjoying the kind of relaxed, unbothered time that feels rare as life gets busier. Those late-night conversations are some of the moments I miss most now. The day at Kings Dominion was everything I hoped it would be. We rode rides, walked endlessly, and just vibed off the energy of the park. Even when j got lost, my dad never rushed me or complained, even when he was clearly exhausted. After a long day, we went to Applebee’s to eat. I remember barely being able to keep my eyes open, dozing off at the table while waiting for our food. My dad just laughed and watched me, clearly content, as if the exhaustion was proof that the day had been worth it. Now that my dad is deployed in Africa, memories like this hit differently. Distance has a way of making you reflect more deeply on moments you once took for granted. That trip wasn’t really about Kings Dominion, it was about spending time together, sacrifice, and love. It was about my dad choosing to spend time with me and creating a memory that would last far beyond that weekend. Looking back, I don’t just remember the rides or the food. I remember feeling seen, valued, and loved. While my dad is far from home, this memory reminds me that no matter the distance, the bond we share remains stronv ans that is something I will always carry with me.

Collaboration is fundamental to the study and practice of music, particularly in the field of vocal performance. Pam Branchini’s reflection on her involvement in music, theatre, art, and décor highlights how the most meaningful aspects of creative work often stem from the relationships formed during the preparation process. This perspective resonates deeply with me, as collaboration has shaped not only my development as a vocalist, but also my understanding of music as a shared and communicative art form. In vocal performance, collaboration means more than performing alongside others; it requires trust, adaptability, and mutual respect. Vocalists must work closely with accompanists, conductors, fellow singers, and directors to achieve a cohesive interpretation of the music. Each collaborator brings a distinct perspective, musical background, and emotional insight to the work. Learning to balance my individual voice with the collective sound has taught me the importance of listening, compromise, and clear communication. Through collaboration, music becomes a dialogue rather than a solo endeavor. Some of my most inspiring collaborative experiences have taken place in ensemble and choral settings. Singing as part of a group challenged me to prioritize blend, balance, and musical unity over individual performance. These experiences strengthened my musicianship by requiring constant awareness of pitch, rhythm, and tone in relation to others. Rehearsals also fostered a strong sense of community, as my peers and I worked together toward a common artistic goal. The encouragement and accountability within these environments motivated me to grow both technically and emotionally as a vocalist. Equally influential have been my experiences collaborating with accompanists and music instructors. Working closely with others to interpret phrasing, dynamics, and emotional expression allowed me to better understand how musical ideas are shaped through shared effort. These collaborations emphasized the importance of openness to feedback and the ability to articulate artistic intentions clearly. Through this process, I gained confidence not only in my vocal ability, but also in my capacity to contribute meaningfully to a collaborative artistic setting. Ultimately, collaboration in my intended field represents connection and growth. Like Pam Branchini, I believe that the preparation for a performance is just as valuable as the final presentation. The relationships formed during rehearsals, the challenges overcome together, and the shared commitment to artistic excellence give music its depth and purpose. As I pursue a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with others who share my passion. These experiences will not only shape my artistic voice, but also prepare me to contribute thoughtfully and collaboratively to the broader musical community.

Making a positive impact: I believe that music has the power to heal wounds we can’t always see and to connect people across boundaries that might otherwise divide us. Through my voice, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by creating spaces where people feel understood, valued, and uplifted. As a vocal artist, I don’t just want to perform songs but I also want to tell stories that resonate deeply, offering hope to those who need it and celebration to those who rarely see their experiences honored on a stage. While signing in the choir, I learned that singing wasn’t about standing out; it was about blending, listening, and supporting something bigger than myself. Every rehearsal demanded presence, preparation, and heart. Those lessons translated beyond music into how I currently approach challenges, collaboration, and leadership in everyday life. Most importantly, choir helped me build confidence. Before that class, I wasn’t sure my voice deserved to be heard. But my choir director believed in me, offering solos and leadership opportunities that pushed me to step up and trust in my abilities. That belief stayed with me, giving me the courage to later perform on stages like Carnegie Hall and to continue pursuing a career in music. Growing up, I didn’t always have access to role models who looked like me or who encouraged emotional expression. I know firsthand how important it is to see and hear someone who reminds you that your voice matters. That’s why a major part of my vision is not just performing, but mentoring. I want to work with young people, especially in underserved communities, to help them discover the power of their own voices. Whether that be through music, storytelling, or leadership, I’m hopeful my voice can make a difference. Additionally, I plan to use the education I ascertain from Morgan State University and the experiences to host workshops, create performance opportunities, and serve as a reminder that art is not a luxury, but it’s a necessity. It teaches resilience, empathy, creativity, and connection. I hope to use my journey to show others that their dreams are valid, that their struggles are not invisible, and that their gifts have a place in this world. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career not just based on stages and spotlights, but on meaningful impact. Through every note I sing and every life I touch, I want to remind people that they are not alone and that beauty can rise even from the hardest places.