From a young age I’ve always had a passion for teaching. When me and my sister were younger we would play school and because I was older I would take on the role of being the teacher, I would make worksheets, make up tests, behavior charts and even save my old school work and give it to her. Now as a senior in high school I have the opportunity to be a teacher assistant for my band director. Music is a big part of my life and to be able to spread my knowledge and passion to other musicians is something I’d love to pursue. Being able to help teach my schools middle school band has shown me how a student’s accomplishment is something that I’d love to be apart of. The process alone is a wonderful thing, watching a student start from the very beginning and slowly improve is something so beautiful and special. Music is an amazing way to be able to express one’s self and has been able to get me through a lot. If I am able to even show one child what music can do for their life would be a huge achievement for me. Teachers are such a valuable asset to society. Creating a bond with an adult you see everyday is so important. I appreciate all the teacher student relationships I’ve made and I am very grateful to be able to rely on a trusted adult in school. I intend to study at William Paterson University as a secondary education major. A lot of times I see my peers are uninspired and unhappy with school. I want to show students the importance of education with music. The arts are so important and should be valued as much as any other class. Music inspires people and gives them a space to create. I want to be able to show students how to be able to create and let themselves be creative through music. The arts can help students want to go to school and become more motivated to create not only in music but in other classes. Doing a project can become more fun when a student isn’t afraid to be creative and be themselves. I want to inspire students to let their creativity flow and be able to show they can be whatever they want. When I finish my higher education I cannot wait to become a teacher and share everything I have learned. There’s nothing I’d love to do more than become a teacher and help a student to accomplish a goal.