My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is to my favorite musical instrument: the piano. I have been playing the piano for more than ten years, and it has become a crucial part of my life. I have participated in multiple piano competitions and consistently earned excellent ratings. I am honored to have received these ratings, but they are not the reason I love so deeply to perform. Whenever I am stressed with life, I can always turn to the piano to help wash away my worries. Being able to play the piano is one of my proudest achievements. The piano, in my opinion, is the most beautiful instrument. My piano teacher tells me that the piano is the only instrument that is a "one-person orchestra." It can produce melodies, harmonies, dynamic changes, and much more all at once, and it is my job as the "conductor" to make these changes. The piano also has the ability to communicate emotions. A good pianist will know how to utilize this instrument by pouring their emotions into it, resulting in a beautiful concoction of notes that can somehow bring tears to your eyes. I remember walking the halls of the music school I learned from and hearing the most beautiful sounds coming from one of the practice rooms. I was in a hurry to get to my lesson, but hearing the music completely stopped me in my tracks. For the following minutes, I just stood there, listening to the music the pianist was creating. I remember this moment so clearly because it helped remind me of the reason I love performing so much. Being able to affect a random stranger just by hitting keys on a piano is one of the most beautiful gifts I can imagine. The piano is a marvelous gift given to humanity, and I am extremely honored to be able to play it. I could not imagine my life without it, given that it has filled a special place in my heart and given me an abundance of joy.

Over the years, I have found that it is easy for me to find happiness. Of course, I have not always been like this. I remember a time where I was so unsatisfied with my life, and it was hard for me to enjoy the simplest of pleasures. It wasn't until I realized that my constant use of social media is what made me joyless. I was comparing my life to the lives of others. I would see people with fancy clothes, expensive houses, and nice cars, and I came to the conclusion that my life was a waste. I eventually stopped using social media and found that because of it, I have been released from the burdens of comparison. I no longer wanted the fancy lifestyle that is constantly being portrayed on the internet but instead wanted realness and normalcy. Seeing the sunset makes me happy. Receiving a text from a friend that simply says "hi" makes me happy. Drinking my favorite coffee makes me happy. I love how I am free from the burdens of comparison and can live my life to my fullest. I feel blessed to be able to say that life makes me happy!