“There’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait.” Most people do not sing their way into surgery. However, I am not most people. As I was wheeled into the operating room for my bowel resection, I was singing songs from the musical Hamilton. Even with IVs in my arms and tears in my parents’ eyes, I wasn’t scared. I was singing. In that moment, music gave me the strength to face pain and confront whatever life placed in front of me. I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I tried different diets and numerous medications, but nothing worked. My life quickly became filled with doctor visits and missed school days. I felt isolated from my friends and disconnected from everything I loved. But in the middle of that chaos, there was one constant: my deep connection to music. Whether I was lying in a hospital bed or resting at home, music gave me an escape. It allowed me to express emotions I couldn’t put into words and helped me feel connected to something greater than my illness. Through music therapy, I learned how to manage the anxiety that came with constant treatments and procedures. It made me calmer, braver, and more prepared for surgery. Music became more than a distraction—it became something I could rely on no matter how uncertain things felt. The power of music was never clearer than on the day of my surgery. As I was rolled into the operating room, the nurses asked what I wanted to hear. Without hesitation, I chose Hamilton. As the music filled the room, I sang with everything I had, turning a frightening moment into a performance. By the time the next song began, everything went black. When I woke up, the nurses and doctors told me I had been singing right up until I went under. In that moment, I realized that music was not just something I loved—it was a part of who I am. That realization led to an incredible opportunity. In 2021, I performed with the Garden of Dreams Foundation at Radio City Music Hall. Standing on that stage in front of thousands of people, I understood that music could be more than a coping mechanism—it could be my purpose. Since then, music has shaped my high school experience. As a member of the Ram Jams, my a cappella group, I have helped us become three-time Mid-Atlantic champions. I have performed in school musicals and continued singing Greek music with my dad, strengthening both my passion and my connection to my culture. For me, music has always been more than performance. It has helped me through pain, connected me with others, and given me a voice when I needed one most. It has carried me from a hospital hallway to the stage at Radio City Music Hall, and now I want it to carry me into my future. Music is how I have survived, how I have thrived, and how I hope to make my mark on the world. Just you wait.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but over time it has become so much more than just something I enjoy. It is something I truly want to build my future around. I aspire to be a performer, songwriter, and producer, and I also dream of performing on Broadway. I love singing more than anything, so any career that allows me to share that passion is what I am working toward. Being able to connect with people through music and performance is something that excites me and motivates me every day. I chose music because it has always been there for me, especially during the hardest times in my life. I have Crohn’s disease, and I had to go through emergency surgery, which was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Right before I was put under anesthesia, I remember singing songs from Hamilton to calm myself down. In that moment, music helped me feel safe and distracted me from everything going on around me. That experience showed me how powerful music really is. It can comfort people, bring them joy, and help them get through things that feel overwhelming. I also love creating music with my friends and sharing those moments together. Being able to turn something that has helped me so much into a career is the reason I am choosing music. I look up to so many artists who inspire me to keep going and work harder. Some of my favorite artists are Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lizzy McAlpine. I also love Broadway and look up to people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Fisher, Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods. They all started young, worked hard, and stayed dedicated to what they love. Seeing their success reminds me that it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. I want to make an impact on the music industry by creating music that connects with people the way music has connected with me. I want to write songs that inspire others, make them feel understood, and maybe even help them get through difficult moments. As a performer, I want to create experiences that are both fun and meaningful so that people leave feeling happy but also moved in some way. At the end of the day, I want people to remember me as someone who is passionate and hardworking. I want to be known as someone who truly loves what she does and always tries to grow and improve. I hope my journey shows that if you follow what you love and put in the effort, you can create something meaningful not just for yourself, but for others too.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but over time it has become so much more than just something I enjoy. It is something I truly want to build my future around. I aspire to be a performer, songwriter, and producer, and I also dream of performing on Broadway. I love singing more than anything, so any career that allows me to share that passion is what I am working toward. Being able to connect with people through music and performance is something that excites me and motivates me every day. I chose music because it has always been there for me, especially during the hardest times in my life. I have Crohn’s disease, and I had to go through emergency surgery, which was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Right before I was put under anesthesia, I remember singing songs from Hamilton to calm myself down. In that moment, music helped me feel safe and distracted me from everything going on around me. That experience showed me how powerful music really is. It can comfort people, bring them joy, and help them get through things that feel overwhelming. I also love creating music with my friends and sharing those moments together. Being able to turn something that has helped me so much into a career is the reason I am choosing music. I look up to so many artists who inspire me to keep going and work harder. Some of my favorite artists are Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lizzy McAlpine. I also love Broadway and look up to people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Fisher, Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods. They all started young, worked hard, and stayed dedicated to what they love. Seeing their success reminds me that it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. I want to make an impact on the music industry by creating music that connects with people the way music has connected with me. I want to write songs that inspire others, make them feel understood, and maybe even help them get through difficult moments. As a performer, I want to create experiences that are both fun and meaningful so that people leave feeling happy but also moved in some way. At the end of the day, I want people to remember me as someone who is passionate and hardworking. I want to be known as someone who truly loves what she does and always tries to grow and improve. I hope my journey shows that if you follow what you love and put in the effort, you can create something meaningful not just for yourself, but for others too.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but over time it has become so much more than just something I enjoy. It is something I truly want to build my future around. I aspire to be a performer, songwriter, and producer, and I also dream of performing on Broadway. Singing is what I love most, and I cannot imagine my life without it. Any career that allows me to share my voice and connect with others is what I am working toward. Being able to make people feel something through music and performance is what motivates me every day. I chose music because it has always been there for me, especially during the hardest times in my life. I have Crohn’s disease, and I had to go through emergency surgery, which was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Right before I was put under anesthesia, I remember singing songs from Hamilton to calm myself down. In that moment, music made me feel safe and helped distract me from everything happening around me. That experience showed me how powerful music really is. It can comfort people, bring them joy, and help them through moments that feel overwhelming. I also love creating music with my friends and sharing those experiences. Being able to turn something that has helped me so much into a career is the reason I am choosing music. I am inspired by many artists who remind me to keep working hard and stay dedicated. Some of my favorites are Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lizzy McAlpine. I also look up to Broadway performers like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Fisher, Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods. They all started young and stayed committed to their passion, which shows me that success is possible with effort and persistence. I want to make an impact by creating music that connects with people the way music has connected with me. I hope to write songs that help others feel understood and create performances that leave people feeling happy and inspired. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone who is passionate, hardworking, and always growing.

“There’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait,” Most people don't sing their way into surgery. However, I am not most people. As I was wheeled into the operating room for my bowel resection, I was singing the Hamilton soundtrack. Although I had IVs in my arms and there were tears in my parents’ eyes, I wasn’t scared. Rather, I was singing. Music allowed me to face pain and confront whatever life threw at me. I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I had tried different diets and medications, but nothing worked. I was bombarded with doctor visits and countless school absences. I couldn’t see my friends, and I missed everything. But in the middle of that chaos, there was one constant- my connection to music. Whether I was lying in a hospital bed or at home, music gave me a way to escape, express what I couldn’t say out loud, and feel connected to something bigger than my illness. In the hospital, I discovered music therapy to help with the anxiety I experienced from the needles. Music therapy made me calmer, braver, and ready for surgery. It was more than a distraction, it was something I could hold on to no matter how unpredictable my health was. Music’s power was vividly seen on the day of my surgery. As I sat in the hospital bed, I wasn’t nervous. I knew this surgery would stop the pain and let me get back to doing the things I loved. When the nurses rolled me into the operating room, they requested my music selection for the surgery. Without hesitation, I told them to play the Hamilton soundtrack. As “Satisfied” filled the room, I lay on the operating table singing with everything I had, practically giving a full performance. By the time the next song began, everything went black. When I awoke, the nurses and doctors were laughing because I had been singing right until the moment I went under. That’s when I realized that music wasn’t just something I loved, but a big part of who I was. That experience in the hospital sparked something in me. In 2021, I was given the chance to sing with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and perform at Radio City. Standing on that stage, in front of thousands of people, I realized that making music and performing were what I loved. Music could be more than a coping mechanism. It could be a purpose. Since then, music has been part of my high school life. I joined The Ram Jams, our a cappella group, and together the group has become three-time National finalists. I’ve performed in every school musical, making memories with my closest friends doing what I love most. Outside of school, I sing Greek music with my dad, which allows me to connect to my culture. It doesn’t matter if I’m harmonizing with my friends or just singing a Greek song with my dad. The same uplifting feeling overtakes me each time, and I know that this is what I need to do for the rest of my life. For me, music has always been more than performance. It’s helped me through my pain, it’s connected me to so many different people, and it’s how I express myself. It’s carried me from a hospital hallway to Radio City’s stage, and now, I want it to carry me into my future. Music is how I have survived, how I have thrived, and how I hope to make my mark on the world. Just you wait.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but over time it has become so much more than just something I enjoy. It is something I truly want to build my future around. I aspire to be a performer, songwriter, and producer, and I also dream of performing on Broadway. I love singing more than anything, so any career that allows me to share that passion is what I am working toward. Being able to connect with people through music and performance is something that excites me and motivates me every day. I chose music because it has always been there for me, especially during the hardest times in my life. I have Crohn’s disease, and I had to go through emergency surgery, which was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Right before I was put under anesthesia, I remember singing songs from Hamilton to calm myself down. In that moment, music helped me feel safe and distracted me from everything going on around me. That experience showed me how powerful music really is. It can comfort people, bring them joy, and help them get through things that feel overwhelming. I also love creating music with my friends and sharing those moments together. Being able to turn something that has helped me so much into a career is the reason I am choosing music. I look up to so many artists who inspire me to keep going and work harder. Some of my favorite artists are Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lizzy McAlpine. I also love Broadway and look up to people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Fisher, Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods. They all started young, worked hard, and stayed dedicated to what they love. Seeing their success reminds me that it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. I want to make an impact on the music industry by creating music that connects with people the way music has connected with me. I want to write songs that inspire others, make them feel understood, and maybe even help them get through difficult moments. As a performer, I want to create experiences that are both fun and meaningful so that people leave feeling happy but also moved in some way. At the end of the day, I want people to remember me as someone who is passionate and hardworking. I want to be known as someone who truly loves what she does and always tries to grow and improve. I hope my journey shows that if you follow what you love and put in the effort, you can create something meaningful not just for yourself, but for others too.

“One Heart, One Beat” is more than just a quote to me. It describes what it truly feels like to be part of my competitive a cappella group, the Ram Jams. I have been a member of the Ram Jams since my freshman year and I have learned that music is not just about singing the right notes. It is about connection, trust, and becoming something bigger than yourself. In a cappella, we do not use instruments. Every sound comes from us, which means we have to depend on each other. If one person is off, the whole group feels it. That is why listening is just as important as singing. At our rehearsals, we are constantly adjusting to each other, blending our voices, and finding that perfect balance. It is not about personal achievement, but about contributing to the overall sound. When everything clicks, it feels like we are all sharing the same heartbeat. We are very supportive of each other. The Ram Jams is not just a group, it is a family. We celebrate each other’s successes and lift each other up during stressful times, especially during competition season. Preparing for performances can be intense, but knowing that everyone is working toward the same goal makes it all worth it. We trust each other to put in the effort, to show up prepared, and to give our best every time we step on stage. All this encompasses “One Heart, One Beat”. All of our hard work over the years has paid off. Being national finalists three times is something I am incredibly proud of. But more than the wins, it is the journey that means the most. Every rehearsal, every late night, and every performance has helped develop us into the group we are today. Those experiences have taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of dedication. What makes a cappella so special is the harmony we create together. Harmony is not just about different notes sounding good at the same time. It is about understanding where you fit within the group and making space for others to shine. Each voice is special and has a purpose, and when everyone shares their voice, the result is something powerful and beautiful. That is what “One Heart, One Beat” represents. It is the moment when all of our voices come together as one, creating music that none of us could achieve alone. Being part of the Ram Jams has been a very important part of my life. It taught me that being successful happens when you work well with others. When we are truly connected, when we are listening and supporting each other, we become more than just a group of singers. We become one heart, one beat.

Music has always been my favorite way to express myself. Whether I’m at home, in the car, or anywhere in between, I constantly find myself singing. It comes naturally to me and has always been a source of comfort, joy, and confidence. Performing live in front of people is what excites me the most, and there is something incredibly special about connecting with an audience and sharing a piece of myself through music. High school has been a time when music became even more central to my life. I joined my school’s competitive a cappella group, The Ram Jams, and it quickly became a vital part of who I am. Being part of this team has helped me grow not only as a musician and performer, but also as a person. I have learned so much about harmony, blending my voice with others, and feeling the music in a way that makes the audience experience the emotion behind every note. Being part of a group like this has also given me a sense of belonging. I am part of a team that challenges me, supports me, and celebrates music as passionately as I do. At the same time, I have been very active in Drama Club, performing in every school musical and cabaret, and earning the honor of becoming a thespian. Through acting and singing on stage, I have learned how to tell a story with my voice and my presence. The members of Drama Club and The Ram Jams have become more than just friends—they have become my family. They have encouraged me through both successes and setbacks, and being surrounded by people who share my passion for performance has been incredibly inspiring. Music has also been a source of strength during difficult times. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I faced some of the most challenging moments of my life. I had to undergo emergency surgery, and there were many days when I felt too sick to go to school or arrived late because of morning symptoms. Despite these obstacles, music has been a constant source of comfort. I had the chance to perform at the Garden of Dreams Talent Show at Radio City Music Hall, and standing on that stage was life-changing. It made me realize not only how much I love performing, but also that this is the path I want to follow in life. Whether I am singing on a stage like Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan Town Hall, or a school auditorium, the feeling of performing is the same—pure happiness and fulfillment. Creating music on my own or with friends gives me a sense of purpose. It allows me to process emotions, collaborate with others, and tell stories in a way that feels meaningful. Music has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of working hard toward something I love. I want to continue growing as an artist in an environment that encourages creativity, challenges me, and surrounds me with people who share the same passion. I hope to turn my love for music into a lifelong career. I want to inspire others the way music has inspired me, to share stories, and to create experiences that leave people feeling joy and connection. Music is not just something I do—it is who I am, and I can’t imagine a future without it.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but over time it has become so much more than just something I enjoy. It is something I truly want to build my future around. I aspire to be a performer, songwriter, and producer, and I also dream of performing on Broadway. I love singing more than anything, so any career that allows me to share that passion is what I am working toward. Being able to connect with people through music and performance is something that excites me and motivates me every day. I chose music because it has always been there for me, especially during the hardest times in my life. I have Crohn’s disease, and I had to go through emergency surgery, which was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Right before I was put under anesthesia, I remember singing songs from Hamilton to calm myself down. In that moment, music helped me feel safe and distracted me from everything going on around me. That experience showed me how powerful music really is. It can comfort people, bring them joy, and help them get through things that feel overwhelming. I also love creating music with my friends and sharing those moments together. Being able to turn something that has helped me so much into a career is the reason I am choosing music. I look up to so many artists who inspire me to keep going and work harder. Some of my favorite artists are Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lizzy McAlpine. I also love Broadway and look up to people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Fisher, Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods. They all started young, worked hard, and stayed dedicated to what they love. Seeing their success reminds me that it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. I want to make an impact on the music industry by creating music that connects with people the way music has connected with me. I want to write songs that inspire others, make them feel understood, and maybe even help them get through difficult moments. As a performer, I want to create experiences that are both fun and meaningful so that people leave feeling happy but also moved in some way. At the end of the day, I want people to remember me as someone who is passionate and hardworking. I want to be known as someone who truly loves what she does and always tries to grow and improve. I hope my journey shows that if you follow what you love and put in the effort, you can create something meaningful not just for yourself, but for others too.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, but over time it has become so much more than just something I enjoy. It is something I truly want to build my future around. I aspire to be a performer, songwriter, and producer, and I also dream of performing on Broadway. I love singing more than anything, so any career that allows me to share that passion is what I am working toward. Being able to connect with people through music and performance is something that excites me and motivates me every day. I chose music because it has always been there for me, especially during the hardest times in my life. I have Crohn’s disease, and I had to go through emergency surgery, which was one of the scariest moments I have ever experienced. Right before I was put under anesthesia, I remember singing songs from Hamilton to calm myself down. In that moment, music helped me feel safe and distracted me from everything going on around me. That experience showed me how powerful music really is. It can comfort people, bring them joy, and help them get through things that feel overwhelming. I also love creating music with my friends and sharing those moments together. Being able to turn something that has helped me so much into a career is the reason I am choosing music. I look up to so many artists who inspire me to keep going and work harder. Some of my favorite artists are Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lizzy McAlpine. I also love Broadway and look up to people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Fisher, Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, and Joy Woods. They all started young, worked hard, and stayed dedicated to what they love. Seeing their success reminds me that it is possible if you are willing to put in the effort. I want to make an impact on the music industry by creating music that connects with people the way music has connected with me. I want to write songs that inspire others, make them feel understood, and maybe even help them get through difficult moments. As a performer, I want to create experiences that are both fun and meaningful so that people leave feeling happy but also moved in some way. At the end of the day, I want people to remember me as someone who is passionate and hardworking. I want to be known as someone who truly loves what she does and always tries to grow and improve. I hope my journey shows that if you follow what you love and put in the effort, you can create something meaningful not just for yourself, but for others too.

Music has always been my passion and a defining part of who I am. I have grown up surrounded by music as my father is a professional bouzouki player. The bouzouki, a traditional Greek instrument, helped me to understand music in a way that is personal and cultural. Greek music has also been a big part of my life, shaping my appreciation of storytelling through music. From a young age, my father not only inspired me, but actively involved me in his performances. He taught me how to perform along side him and invited me to sing with him in restaurants when he was playing. These experiences provided me with exposure to performing in front of live audiences and helped me develop confidence and a genuine love for performing. Over the years, I have dedicated my time to developing my musical abilities. I have taken private vocal lessons for the last 7 years, piano lessons for 9 years, and guitar lessons for 2 years. Learning both vocal technique and instruments, has given me a strong foundation for music theory and helped me to become a well rounded musician. I am inspired by all genres of music, and I have incorporated different styles in my performances and creative work. Throughout school, I immersed myself in my school's music and performing arts programs. I am an active member of my high schools Chorus, and serve as the current president. I also am an active member of the Drama Club, and serve as the current president as well. These roles have helped me grow as a leader, musician and performer. Musical theater is very special to me and I have been fortunate to be a part of many productions in middle school and high school. Each performance has helped me build confidence, stage presence and a deeper connection to the material I perform. In addition, I have been member of my high school's a cappella group, The Ram Jams, since my freshman year. This experience has been very rewarding and has helped me to refine my listening skills, blend with others and work together in a collaborative setting. Our group has advanced to finals twice since I have become a member and I am currently a featured soloist! As I look towards the future, I plan to major in Contemporary Vocal Performance, Music Production, and Songwriting and minor in Musical Theater. My top school is Berklee College of Music, which has been my dream school since I visited my freshman year. I am inspired by its emphasis on creativity, collaboration and innovation. I hope to pursue a career as a performer while writing and producing my own music. I want to share my voice and connect with others through my music.

“There’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait,” Most people do not sing their way into surgery. However, I am not most people. As I was wheeled into the operating room for my bowel resection, I was singing the Hamilton soundtrack. Although I had IVs in my arms and there were tears in my parents’ eyes, I wasn’t scared. Rather, I was singing. Music allowed me to face pain and confront whatever life threw at me. I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I had tried different diets and numerous medications, but nothing worked. I was bombarded with doctor visits and countless school absences. I couldn’t see my friends, and I was missing everything. But in the middle of that chaos, there was one constant- my deep connection to music. Whether I was lying in a hospital bed or at home, music gave me a way to escape, to express what I couldn’t say out loud, and to feel connected to something bigger than my illness. In the hospital, I discovered music therapy to help with the anxiety I experienced from the endless needles. Music therapy made me calmer, braver, and ready for surgery. It was more than a distraction, it was something I could hold on to no matter how unpredictable my health was. Music’s power was vividly seen on the day of my surgery. As I sat in the hospital bed, I wasn’t nervous. I knew this surgery would stop the pain and let me get back to doing the things I loved. When the nurses were rolling me into the operating room, they requested my music selection for the surgery. Without hesitation, I told them to play the Hamilton soundtrack. As “Satisfied” filled the room, I lay on the operating table singing with everything I had, practically giving them a full performance. By the time the next song began, everything went black. When I awoke, the nurses and doctors were laughing because I had been singing right up until the moment I went under. That’s when I realized that music wasn’t just something I loved, but a big part of who I was. That experience in the hospital sparked something in me. In 2021, I was given the chance to sing with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and perform at Radio City Music Hall. Standing on that stage, in front of thousands of people, I realized that making music and performing were what I loved. Music could be more than just a coping mechanism. It could be a purpose. Since then, music has been a part of my high school life. I joined The Ram Jams, our a cappella group, and together the group has become three-time Mid-Atlantic champions. I’ve performed in every school musical, making memories with my closest friends doing what I love to do most. Outside of school, I sing Greek music with my dad, which further allows me to connect to my culture. It doesn’t matter if I’m harmonizing with my friends or if I’m just singing a Greek song with my dad. The same uplifting feeling overtakes me each time, and I know that this is what I need to do for the rest of my life. For me, music has always been more than performance. It’s helped me through my pain, it’s connected me to so many different people, and it’s how I express myself. It’s carried me from a hospital hallway to Radio City’s stage, and now, I want it to carry me into my future. Music is how I have survived, how I have thrived, and how I hope to make my mark on the world. Just you wait.

“There’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait,” Most people do not sing their way into surgery. However, I am not most people. As I was wheeled into the operating room for my bowel resection, I was singing the Hamilton soundtrack. Although I had IVs in my arms and there were tears in my parents’ eyes, I wasn’t scared. Rather, I was singing. Music allowed me to face pain and confront whatever life threw at me. I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I had tried different diets and medications, but nothing worked. I was bombarded with doctor visits and countless school absences. I couldn’t see my friends, and I was missing everything. But in the middle of that chaos, there was one constant- my deep connection to music. Whether I was lying in a hospital bed or at home, music gave me a way to escape, to express what I couldn’t say out loud, and to feel connected to something bigger than my illness. In the hospital, I discovered music therapy to help with the anxiety I experienced from needles. Music therapy made me calmer, braver, and ready for surgery. It was more than a distraction, it was something I could hold on to no matter how unpredictable my health was. As I sat in the hospital bed, I wasn’t nervous. I knew this surgery would stop the pain and let me get back to doing the things I loved. When the nurses were rolling me into the operating room, they requested my music selection for the surgery. Without hesitation, I told them to play the Hamilton soundtrack. As “Satisfied” filled the room, I lay on the operating table singing with everything I had, practically giving a full performance. By the time the next song began, everything went black. When I awoke, the nurses and doctors were laughing because I had been singing right up until the moment I went under. That’s when I realized that music wasn’t just something I loved, but a big part of who I was. That experience in the hospital sparked something in me. In 2021, I was given the chance to sing with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and perform at Radio City Music Hall. Standing on that stage, in front of thousands of people, I realized that making music and performing were what I loved. Music could be more than a coping mechanism. It could be a purpose. Since then, music has been a part of my high school life. I joined The Ram Jams, our a cappella group, and together the group has become three-time Mid-Atlantic champions. I’ve performed in every school musical, making memories with my closest friends doing what I love most. Outside of school, I sing Greek music with my dad, which further allows me to connect to my culture. It doesn’t matter if I’m harmonizing with my friends or if I’m just singing a Greek song with my dad. The same uplifting feeling overtakes me each time, and I know that this is what I need to do for the rest of my life. For me, music has always been more than performance. It’s helped me through my pain, it’s connected me to so many different people, and it’s how I express myself. It’s carried me from a hospital hallway to Radio City’s stage, and now, I want it to carry me into my future. Music is how I have survived, how I have thrived, and how I hope to make my mark on the world. Just you wait.

“There’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait,” Most people do not sing their way into surgery. However, I am not most people. As I was wheeled into the operating room for my bowel resection, I was singing the Hamilton soundtrack. Although I had IVs in my arms and there were tears in my parents’ eyes, I wasn’t scared. Rather, I was singing. Music allowed me to face pain and confront whatever life threw at me. I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I had tried different diets and medications, but nothing worked. I was bombarded with doctor visits and countless school absences. I couldn’t see my friends, and I was missing everything. But in the middle of that chaos, there was one constant- my deep connection to music. Whether I was lying in a hospital bed or at home, music gave me a way to escape, to express what I couldn’t say out loud, and to feel connected to something bigger than my illness. In the hospital, I discovered music therapy to help with the anxiety I experienced from needles. Music therapy made me calmer, braver, and ready for surgery. It was more than a distraction, it was something I could hold on to no matter how unpredictable my health was. As I sat in the hospital bed, I wasn’t nervous. I knew this surgery would stop the pain and let me get back to doing things I loved. When the nurses were rolling me into the operating room, they requested my music selection for the surgery. Without hesitation, I told them to play the Hamilton soundtrack. As “Satisfied” filled the room, I lay on the operating table singing with everything I had, practically giving them a full performance. By the time the next song began, everything went black. When I awoke, the nurses and doctors were laughing because I had been singing right up until the moment I went under. That’s when I realized that music wasn’t just something I loved, but a big part of who I was. That experience in the hospital sparked something in me. In 2021, I was given the chance to sing with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and perform at Radio City Music Hall. Standing on that stage, in front of thousands of people, I realized that making music and performing were what I loved. Music could be more than just a coping mechanism. It could be a purpose. Since then, music has been a part of my high school life. I joined The Ram Jams, our a cappella group, and together the group has become three-time Mid-Atlantic champions. I’ve performed in every school musical, making memories with my closest friends doing what I love most. Outside of school, I sing Greek music with my dad, which further allows me to connect to my culture. It doesn’t matter if I’m harmonizing with friends or if I’m just singing a Greek song with my dad. The same uplifting feeling overtakes me each time, and I know that this is what I need to do for the rest of my life. For me, music has always been more than performance. It’s helped me through my pain, it’s connected me to so many different people, and it’s how I express myself. It’s carried me from a hospital hallway to Radio City’s stage, and now, I want it to carry me into my future. Music is how I have survived, how I have thrived, and how I hope to make my mark on the world. Just you wait.

“There’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait,” Most people do not sing their way into surgery. However, I am not most people. As I was wheeled into the operating room for my bowel resection, I was singing the Hamilton soundtrack. Although I had IVs in my arms and there were tears in my parents’ eyes, I wasn’t scared. Rather, I was singing. Music allowed me to face pain and confront whatever life threw at me. I was twelve years old when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. I tried different diets and medications, but nothing worked. I was bombarded with doctor visits and countless school absences. I couldn’t see my friends, and I was missing everything. But in the middle of that chaos, there was one constant- my deep connection to music. Whether I was lying in a hospital bed or at home, music gave me a way to escape, to express what I couldn’t say out loud, and to feel connected to something bigger than my illness. In the hospital, I discovered music therapy to help with the anxiety I experienced from the endless needles. Music therapy made me calmer, braver, and ready for surgery. It was more than a distraction, it was something I could hold on to no matter how unpredictable my health was. As I sat in the hospital bed, I wasn’t nervous. I knew this surgery would stop the pain and let me get back to doing the things I loved. When the nurses were rolling me into the operating room, they requested my music selection for the surgery. Without hesitation, I told them to play the Hamilton soundtrack. As “Satisfied” filled the room, I lay on the operating table singing with everything I had, practically giving them a full performance. By the time the next song began, everything went black. When I awoke, the nurses and doctors were laughing because I had been singing right up until the moment I went under. That’s when I realized that music wasn’t just something I loved, but a big part of who I was. That experience in the hospital sparked something in me. In 2021, I was given the chance to sing with the Garden of Dreams Foundation and perform at Radio City Music Hall. Standing on that stage, in front of thousands of people, I realized that I loved making music and performing. Music could be more than just a coping mechanism. It could be a purpose. Since then, music has been a part of my high school life. I joined The Ram Jams, our a cappella group, and together the group has become three-time Mid-Atlantic champions. I’ve performed in every school musical, making memories with my closest friends doing what I love most. Outside of school, I sing Greek music with my dad, which further allows me to connect to my culture. It doesn’t matter if I’m harmonizing with friends or if I’m just singing a Greek song with my dad. The same uplifting feeling overtakes me each time, and I know that this is what I need to do for the rest of my life. For me, music has always been more than performance. It’s helped me through my pain, it’s connected me to so many different people, and it’s how I express myself. It’s carried me from a hospital hallway to Radio City’s stage, and now, I want it to carry me into my future. Music is how I have survived, how I have thrived, and how I hope to make my mark on the world. Just you wait.