Hi, I am Kyndal Nowell and I am a first year undergraduate student at THE Ohio State University! Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band, and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. Back in grade school, I was in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-M band club, and I was in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day.” So, I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. My personal identity is just simply a musician. That is what I came to college to do and what I plan to make a long-term career out of. I am starting now by being a music performance major! Hopefully, I can minor in business administration. Since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. In high school I was helping the jazz band and other trombonists since my junior year. Undergraduates had band finals for the first time and class and auditions, and they were super nervous. So was I, but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I would come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I performed with them, traveled to do gigs with them, and helped recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I did not do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. Now, I will not become a music teacher at a school, but I will start my music shop and give lessons there.

Hi, I am Kyndal Nowell, and I am a first year undergraduate student at THE Ohio State University. Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band, and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. Back in grade school, I was in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-M band club, and I was in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day.” So, I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. My personal identity is just simply a musician. That is what I came to college to do and what I plan to make a long-term career out of. I am starting now by being a music performance major! Hopefully, I can minor in business administration. Since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. In high school I was helping the jazz band and other trombonists since my junior year. Undergraduates had band finals for the first time and class and auditions, and they were super nervous. So was I, but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I would come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I performed with them, traveled to do gigs with them, and helped recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I did not do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. Now, I will not become a music teacher at a school, but I will start my music shop and give lessons there.

Hi, I'm Kyndal Nowell! I am a first year undergraduate student at THE Ohio State University. Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I was in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-M band club, as well as chorus for 4 years. My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I have officially made it. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to there! Not only am I interested in the fine arts community, I did many other extra-curricular such as being a first- degree black belt in karate, a cheerleader, team captain for the throwers of my track team, dance, and gymnastics! Winning this scholarship will help me pay my out-of-state tuition for THE Ohio State University, aka my dream school, which is approximately $56,000. I love music and I auditioned for Ohio State's School of Music and I have been accepted. I am so excited that I have started this journey and beginning to achieve my dreams that I have had since I was little. Having the honor to keep attending this school and their amazing music program will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language. I will be very grateful if I earn this scholarship, thank you!

I think that I can make a positive impact on society just by simply being authentically me. My friends and teachers would describe me as nice, caring, well-educated, and versatile. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. Even when I am feeling down or something isn’t going right at home, I leave it at home. I present myself as a happy-go-lucky person all of the time and try to be the reason people smile every day. I know there are people out there going through worse things than I am so I try not to complain. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I did not know it. I received multiple awards for being a great student and I was nominated for several awards by multiple teachers. I also tend to help complete strangers. I try to volunteer every year around Christmas time to give gifts to those who are less fortunate. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. I can also make a positive impact on the world with my music. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I also want to get into musical therapy. I want to make a business where I bring people in that need help to listen to music to calm down and relax. Also, help the elderly or anyone with Alzheimer's or dementia because music can help trigger memories and I would love if I could do that for them. A music teacher who changed my life was my high school band director Todd Manson. He helped me become a leader and helped me want to achieve big dreams. In August I will be trying out for THE Ohio State Marching Band. Next was my first music teacher ever, Mr. Blue taught me how to play the electric bass which introduced me to my forever passion for music. I was searching around looking for someone to take me in for lessons but everyone said I was "too young". I was 7 at the time. Mr. Blue was the only one to take me in and not to brag but I am pretty good now. Lastly, my other teacher is my first band director, Mr. McCroy, he taught me how to play trombone and read sheet music and now I am obsessed. I am going to college for this talent now and I have been accepted into my dream school and their school of music all because of him. If he never put me on trombone and had kept me on percussion, then I don't know what I would have done. I am so thankful for these amazing people and I can't wait to repay them with my accomplishments.

The biggest challenge I had to overcome was Covid year, or should I say years, because it has impacted my learning and learning style. It started my Freshman year and went all the way up to my Junior year. Then in the middle of that year, we had to go online again because there was another outbreak. Senior year is my first fully normal year. Covid year was challenging because the teachers couldn't really help the students who really needed it. They had to try their best to teach and explain over the computer. They couldn't talk to a student one on one or do hands-on experiences as usual. Also, these teachers never taught like this before so we were all adapting and learning. I have always had all A's and occasionally B's and it was easy but those years made me actually work harder to maintain them. This previous year, my senior year, the only struggle is AP Statistics. It is my first AP class ever and it is a struggle. I will tell you that! I've always taken honors classes but I have never dared to take an AP class until this year. I currently have a B in that class and that is my only B which is bringing my GPA down that I am trying to maintain but it is ok because I love math and I love the challenge. Another challenge is a more personal one. Even when I am feeling down or something isn’t going right at home, I leave it at home. I present myself as a happy-go-lucky person all of the time and try to be the reason people smile every day. I know there are people out there going through worse things than I am so I try not to complain. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I did not know it. I received multiple awards for being a great student and I was nominated for several awards by multiple teachers. I also tend to help complete strangers. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. These past years have taught me that I have to manage my time well, don’t take life for granted and that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I'm currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-m band club, and I was in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I've officially made it. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I'm trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help, I would be there for them. This year I've been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and to actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I'm proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them into practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because the jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I did not do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I'm making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

I’ve always heard the saying ‘Music is the universal language”, I have come to understand that this saying means that it does not matter where you come from or what language you speak when a person hears music it can make them feel all types of emotions, happy, sad and inspired. It can bring people together. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I am trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help I would be there for them. This year I have been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in to practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids to love music and want to play an instrument. Winning this scholarship will help me pay my out-of-state tuition for THE Ohio State University, aka my dream school, which is approximately $56,000. I love music and I auditioned for Ohio State's School of Music and I have been accepted. I am so excited to start this journey and the dream that I have had since I was little. Having the honor to attend this school and its amazing music program will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language. I will be very grateful if I earn this scholarship, thank you!

Going to college and focusing on music education and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I'm trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. For the past two years, I've volunteered at the middle school for grades 6-8 in band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I've also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I'm proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them to practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do performances and help recruit members. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I'm making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids to love music and want to play an instrument. A music teacher who has changed my life is my high school band director Todd Manson. He helped me become a leader and helped me want to achieve big dreams. In August I'll be trying out for THE Ohio State Marching Band. I would've never thought I would even push myself that far but he stayed with me and believed in me. His personality was amazing. You could tell that he enjoyed his job and music which made me enjoy learning. Manson wasn't the only one who shaped me into the musician I'm today. My first music teacher ever, Mr. Blue, taught me how to play the electric bass which introduced me to my forever passion for music. I was searching around looking for someone to take me in for lessons but everyone said I was "too young". I was 7 at the time. Mr. Blue was the only one to take me in and not to brag but I'm pretty good now. Lastly, my other teacher is my first band director, Mr. McCroy, he taught me how to play trombone and read sheet music and now I'm obsessed. I'm going to college for this talent now and I've been accepted into my dream school and their school of music all because of him. If he never put me on trombone and had kept me on percussion, then I don't know what I would've done. I'm so thankful for these amazing people and I can't wait to repay them with my accomplishments.

I’ve always heard the saying ‘Music is the universal language”, I've come to understand that this saying means that it doesn't matter where you come from or what language you speak when a person hears music it can make them feel all types of emotions, happy, sad and inspired. It can bring people together. Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician and start my band. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I was in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-m band club, and in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. In addition to music, I was captain of the track team for discus & shot put. I went to regionals and then finals my first year! I didn’t win but that was a great moment for me. I was also co-captain of cheerleading. I attribute my great grades and the ability to not be afraid to ‘try’ something new to taking music lessons. My first music lesson was piano, and I had to overcome the doubt that I cannot do this. You'll struggle at first with any new task that you try but the key is not to stop and to never give up. I think that I can make a positive impact on society just by simply being authentically me. My friends and teachers would describe me as nice, caring, well-educated, and versatile. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I didn't know it. I received multiple awards for being a great student and I was nominated for several awards by multiple teachers. I also tend to help strangers. I try to volunteer every year around Christmas time to give gifts to those who are less fortunate. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I'm trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help I'd be there for them. This year I've been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I've also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I'm proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them to practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I'm making a difference for the future of the fine arts program.

I think that I can make a positive impact on society just by simply being authentically me. My friends and teachers would describe me as nice, caring, well-educated, and versatile. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I did not know it. I received multiple awards for being a great student and I was nominated for several awards by multiple teachers. I also tend to help complete strangers. I try to volunteer every year around Christmas time to give free gifts to those who are less fortunate. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. I may have to sacrifice sleep or hanging out with friends but it is worth it because it is the right thing to do. This year I've been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. The jazz band isn't great so they could use some help and other kids don't want to help them because it is "embarrassing" or "above them". I managed to speak up and concince some upperclassmen to help. If they don't want the band program to die, then they need to do something about it! Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I auditioned and joined my high school's marching band and became section leader, I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. In addition to music, I was captain of the track team for discus & shot put. I went to regionals and then finals my first year! I didn’t win but that was a great moment for me. I was also co-captain of cheerleading. I attribute my great grades and the ability to not be afraid to ‘try’ something new to taking music lessons. My first music lesson was piano, and I had to overcome the doubt that I cannot do this. You will struggle at first for any new task that you try but the key is not to stop and to never give up. I think that I can make a positive impact on society just by simply being authentically me. My friends and teachers would describe me as nice, caring, well-educated, and versatile. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I did not know it. I received multiple awards for being a great student and I was nominated for several awards by multiple teachers. I also tend to help complete strangers. I try to volunteer every year around Christmas time to give free gifts to those who are less fortunate. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. Earning this scholarship will help me pay my out-of-state tuition for THE Ohio State University, aka my dream school, which is approximately $56,000. I love music and I auditioned for Ohio State's School of Music and I have been accepted. I am so excited to start this journey and the dream that I have had since I was little. Having the honor to attend this school and its amazing music program will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language. I will be very grateful if I earn this scholarship, thank you!

I like to think of myself as a non-traditional student not only because I am a first generation, but I find a goal and commit to it no matter what, and I am very versatile! In my freshman year of high school, I played two sports at once. I managed to do both cheerleading and marching band at the same time. Looking back, I realized this was a lot for a little kid who had just stepped into the high school world and had a lot to juggle. During marching band, we practiced every day of the week, performed at every Friday night football game and attended Band competitions almost every Saturday. Thursdays were special, this was the one day of the week that we could not miss band practice, but it was also the same day of the JV football games that I had to cheer at. I had to make a tough decision that year: Marching band or cheerleading. I couldn't choose so I decided that I would do both. I would go to band practice for a little bit, change into my cheer uniform, go over to cheer at the game, and then go back to practice after the game IN MY CHEER UNIFORM! People would be so shocked to see me run from the stadium to the practice field and just join the rest of the band as if nothing happened. Someone thought I was a twin because they have never heard of someone doing both cheer and marching band at the same time. Especially as a freshman! In my sophomore year, I decided to join the track team as a thrower. A thrower is someone who throws the shot put and the discus. I became captain of the track team in my first year which was exciting because it was my first leadership role in high school! I went to regionals and then finals my first year! I didn’t win but that was a great moment for me. I was also co-captain of cheerleading. I attribute my great grades and the ability to not be afraid to ‘try’ something new to everything else I did. I had to overcome the doubt that I cannot do this. You will struggle at first with any new task that you try but the key is not to stop and to never give up. In my senior year, I became a section leader for the baritone and tuba sections. It taught me how to separate my personality from people. Yes, I am their friend, I've always been and always will be but I am also their leader. When it is time to focus and be serious, I will be. I had to catch myself when I was goofing off a couple of times but I got the hang of it. Being a section leader and track team captain again helped me realize that I want to be the person people look up to and be the person that they would hope to be like when they get into my position or even surpass me. On top of all of that, I had tons of homework, and I was taking honors classes. These past years have taught me that I have to manage my time well and that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I am currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-m band club, and I was in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So, I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I've officially made it. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I'm trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help, I would be there for them. This year I've been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

I think that I embody selflessness just by simply being authentically me. My friends and teachers would describe me as nice, caring, well-educated, and versatile. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I did not know it. I received multiple awards for being a great student and I was nominated for several awards by multiple teachers. I also tend to help complete strangers. I try to volunteer every year around Christmas time to give free gifts to those who are less fortunate. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I am trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help I would be there for them. This year I have been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in to practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids to love music and want to play an instrument.

Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I am currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-m band club, and I was in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So, I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I've officially made it. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I'm trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help, I would be there for them. This year I've been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I'm trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help, I would be there for them. This year I've been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I'm trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them, so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in to practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I am trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. Last year I volunteered to be an usher and pass out flyers for my school's play, “Hairspray”. If any of the cast needed anything or help I would be there for them. This year I have been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them to practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because the jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids to love music and want to play an instrument. Winning this scholarship will help me pay my out-of-state tuition for THE Ohio State University, aka my dream school, which is approximately $56,000. I love music and I auditioned for Ohio State's School of Music and I have been accepted. I am so excited to start this journey and the dream that I have had since I was little. Having the honor to attend this school and its amazing music program will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language. I will be very grateful if I earn this scholarship, thank you!

Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I am currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-M band club, and I was in the chorus for 4 years. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I am trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. My high school band director Todd Manson helped me become a leader and helped me want to achieve big dreams. In August I will be trying out for THE Ohio State Marching Band. I would have never thought I would even push myself that far but he stayed with me and believed in me. His personality was amazing. You could tell that he really enjoyed his job and music which made me enjoy learning, unlike some teachers who are just doing it for the check. Manson wasn't the only one who shaped me into the musician I am today. My first music teacher ever, Mr. Blue, taught me how to play the electric bass which introduced me to my forever passion for music. I was searching around looking for someone to take me in for lessons, but everyone said I was "too young". I was 7 at the time. Mr. Blue was the only one to take me in and not to brag but I am pretty good now. Lastly, my other teacher is my first band director, Mr. McCroy, he taught me how to play trombone and read sheet music and now I am obsessed. I am going to college for this talent now and I have been accepted into my dream school and their school of music all because of him. If he never put me on trombone and had kept me on percussion, then I don't know what I would have done. I am so thankful for these amazing people, and I can't wait to repay them back with my accomplishments. Now, I won't become a music teacher at a school, but I will start my music shop and give lessons there. Hopefully, I can give a little kid a chance just like how Mr. Blue gave one. I want to inspire upcoming musicians because music is the universal language.

Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I am currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-M band club, and I was in the chorus for 4 years. My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I have officially made it. In my senior year, I became a section leader for the baritone and tuba sections. It taught me how to separate my personality from people. Yes, I am their friend, I've always been and always will be but I am also their leader. When it is time to focus and be serious, I will be. I had to catch myself when I was goofing off a couple of times but I got the hang of it. Being a section leader and track team captain again helped me realize that I want to be the person people look up to and be the person that they would hope to be like when they get into my position or even surpass me. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions and were super nervous. So was I but I was a role model for them so I hid my nervousness and encouraged and helped them to prepare for finals and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids to love music and want to play an instrument Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my band and open my music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I am currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-M band club, and I was in the chorus for 4 years. My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I have officially made it. In my senior year, I became a section leader for the baritone and tuba sections. Being a section leader and track team captain again helped me realize that I want to be the person people look up to and be the person that they would hope to be like when they get into my position or even surpass me. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at THE Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to THE Ohio State. They offer the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. I wake up early and stay up late practicing my instruments, I sacrifice hanging out with friends so that I can perfect my craft. I am also applying to as many scholarships as I possibly can so that I can pay for my out of state tuition for my dream school, otherwise, I cannot go. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language. This year, my senior year, the only struggle is AP Statistics. It is my first AP class ever. I've always taken honors classes but I have never dared to take an AP class until this year. I currently have a B in that class and that is my only B which is bringing my GPA down that I am trying to maintain but it is okay because I love math and I love the challenge. Another challenge is a more personal one. Even when I am feeling down or something isn’t going right at home, I leave it at home. I present myself as a happy-go-lucky person all of the time and try to be the reason people smile every day. I know there are people out there going through worse things than I am so I try not to complain. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. Winning this scholarship will help me pay my out-of-state tuition for my dream school THE Ohio State University, which is approximately $56,000.

I have demonstrated resilience to inspire someone throughout my high school career. Senior year, I became a section leader for the baritone and tuba sections. It taught me how to separate my personality from people. Yes, I am their friend, I have always been and always will be but I am also their leader. When it is time to focus and be serious, I will be. I had to catch myself when I was goofing off a couple of times but I got the hang of it. Being a section leader and track team captain again helped me realize that I want to be the person people look up to and be the person that they would hope to be like when they get into my position or even surpass me. The biggest challenges I had to overcome was Covid year, or should I say years, because it has impacted my learning and learning style. It started my Freshman year and went all the way up to my Junior year. In the middle of junior year, we had to go online again because there was another outbreak. Senior year is my first fully normal year. Covid year was challenging because the teachers could not really help the students who really needed it. They had to try their best to teach and explain over the computer. They could not talk to a student one on one or do hands-on experiences as usual. Also, these teachers never taught like this before so we were all adapting and learning. I have always had all A's and occasionally B's and it was easy but those years made me actually work harder to maintain them. This year, my senior year, the only struggle is AP Statistics. It's my first AP class ever. I've always taken honors classes but I have never dared to take an AP class until this year. I currently have a 90 in that class and that is my lowest grade which is bringing my GPA down that I am trying to maintain but it is ok because I love math and I love the challenge. Another challenge is a more personal one. Even when I am feeling down or something isn’t going right at home, I leave it at home. I present myself as a happy-go-lucky person all of the time and try to be the reason people smile every day. I know there are people out there going through worse things than I am so I try not to complain. I love to listen to and help people. My friends all come to me when they need to talk about anything going on in their lives or at school or if they need help with classwork. I not only help my peers; I help my teachers also. 2020 was a hard year due to Covid, school was virtual and a few of my teachers said because of my positive attitude and enthusiasm, reminded them why they wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Just having me say "good morning, or Thank you" each day, I gave my teachers encouragement, and I did not know it. I was nominated and have received many awards for being a great influence. I also tend to help complete strangers. It makes me happy to give back and you never know when the smallest of actions could change a person's life. These past years have taught me that I have to manage my time well, don’t take life for granted and that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Standing backstage waiting for my cue to go onstage. My heart was beating out of my chest, but I could not wait to be in front of that crowd. The lights changed, the curtains opened, the music started, and it was showtime. I could not get onto that stage fast enough. I knew at that moment I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I have the same feelings whether it is for dance or for playing my instruments. Music is my first love. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a successful musician, start my own band and open my own music studio to teach others how to play an instrument. I started taking piano lessons, guitar, & bass. In middle school I began to play the trombone, in high school, I learned how to play the baritone. I am currently in jazz band, regular band class, section leader for marching band, Tri-m band club, and I was in chorus for 4 years. When I was 5 years old, I was watching TV when I saw and heard The Ohio State marching band perform. My first thought was “I want to go there and do that one day. So I devoted my whole life just so that dream can happen. I attended the Summer 2021 and 2022 marching band camp at The Ohio State in July, and it became abundantly clear that I wanted to go to The Ohio State. The school offers the best scholastic and awesome music program where I visualize myself excelling at. Going to college and focusing on music and business administration will help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world. It’ll also help to become a music teacher and have my own studio where I can give back and teach kids how music teaches you how to focus, and to listen and appreciate the arts. I am trying to start that now by helping out around the fine arts community as much as I can. This year I have been volunteering at the middle school for grades 6-8 for band class, helping them learn how to play their instruments and how to read and actually understand their music. Ever since Covid hit, the interest in the band has declined drastically and I am trying my best to prevent that and put that spark that I had when I first joined the band in the younger kids coming up. I have also been helping the jazz band and other trombonists since last year. Underclassmen had band finals for the first time and class and auditions. I am proud to say that I helped many trombonists to move up a class band and chair rank! I come to the jazz band class during my free period and play with them, take them in practice rooms to listen and evaluate them, give the band a better sound, and encourage them to keep trying because jazz band is also a class for kids to try different instruments. I perform with them, travel to do gigs with them, and help recruit with them. Even though I received many service hours for these deeds, I didn’t do it because of that. I did it because I honestly enjoy being surrounded by fellow fine arts kids and I feel like I am making a difference for the future of the fine arts program. I want to inspire kids because music is the universal language.

In my freshman year of high school, I played two sports at once. I managed to do both cheerleading and marching band at the same time. Looking back, I realized this was a lot for a little kid who had just stepped into the high school world and had a lot to juggle. During marching band, we practiced every day of the week, performed at every Friday night football game and attended Band competitions almost every Saturday. Thursdays were special, this was the one day of the week that we could not miss band practice, but it was also the same day of the JV football games that I had to cheer at. I had to make a tough decision that year: Marching band or cheerleading. I couldn't choose so I decided that I would do both. I would go to band practice for a little bit, change into my cheer uniform, go over to cheer at the game, and then go back to practice after the game IN MY CHEER UNIFORM! People would be so shocked to see me run from the stadium to the practice field and just join the rest of the band as if nothing happened. Someone thought I was a twin because they have never heard of someone doing both cheer and marching band at the same time. Especially as a freshman! My Sophmore year was when Covid hit and everyone had to go remote. I am a senior now by the way but that year still has its effects on me. Covid year was challenging because the teachers could not really help the students who really needed it. They had to try their best to teach and explain over the computer. They could not talk to a student one on one or do hands-on experiences as usual. Also, these teachers never taught like this before so we were all adapting and learning. I have always had all A's and occasionally B's and it was easy but those years made me actually work harder to maintain them. It was my hardest year ever because that is when I gained a lot of weight. Since the whole world was quarantined, I couldn't go to school which is where I had gym, cheer, and marching band. Those activities kept me in shape but being in quarantine, I just sat down in the dining room doing work and eating whatever and whenever I wanted. I used to weigh 160 pounds but I went up to 240 that year. I felt ugly and unloved. I hated how I looked and I hated myself, I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror and put on a real smile. I cried every night in regret. One night I told myself that I am going to change and love myself. I joined the track team as a thrower and started eating right and working out. I usually slept in but I started waking up early and running around the neighborhood, walking on the treadmill, using the bike machine, and doing workout videos like "T-25". I am proud to say that I am back down to 180! I still have some issues with my appearance but I am happy with who I am now. These past years have taught me that I have to manage my time well, don’t take life for granted and that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

My dream version of my future self is on the main stage performing in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium. If I can get to that point, then I know that I have officially made it. Ever since I was little, I knew that I wanted to go to college and focus on music to help me with my plan to create and share my music with the world and help to become a music teacher so I can give back and inspire kids with the knowlege and appreciation of music because it is the universal language.

In my freshman year of high school, I played two sports at once. I managed to do both cheerleading and marching band at the same time. Looking back, I realized this was a lot for a little kid who had just stepped into the high school world and had a lot to juggle. During marching band, we practiced every day of the week, performed at every Friday night football game and attended Band competitions almost every Saturday. Thursdays were special, this was the one day of the week that we could not miss band practice, but it was also the same day of the JV football games that I had to cheer at. I had to make a tough decision that year: Marching band or cheerleading. I couldn't choose so I decided that I would do both. I would go to band practice for a little bit, change into my cheer uniform, go over to cheer at the game, and then go back to practice after the game IN MY CHEER UNIFORM! People would be so shocked to see me run from the stadium to the practice field and just join the rest of the band as if nothing happened. Someone thought I was a twin because they have never heard of someone doing both cheer and marching band at the same time. Especially as a freshman! In my sophomore year, I decided to join the track team as a thrower. A thrower is someone who throws the shot put and the discus. I became captain of the track team in my first year which was exciting because it was my first leadership role in high school! I went to regionals and then finals my first year! I didn’t win but that was a great moment for me. I was also co-captain of cheerleading. I attribute my great grades and the ability to not be afraid to ‘try’ something new to everything else I did. I had to overcome the doubt that I cannot do this. You will struggle at first with any new task that you try but the key is not to stop and to never give up. In my senior year, I became a section leader for the baritone and tuba sections. It taught me how to separate my personality from people. Yes, I am their friend, I've always been and always will be but I am also their leader. When it is time to focus and be serious, I will be. I had to catch myself when I was goofing off a couple of times but I got the hang of it. Being a section leader and track team captain again helped me realize that I want to be the person people look up to and be the person that they would hope to be like when they get into my position or even surpass me. On top of all of that, I had tons of homework, and I was taking honors classes. These past years have taught me that I have to manage my time well and that I can do anything that I put my mind to.