I almost died in March of 2023. My depression was at an all-time high, and I had decided that the best option I had was to overdose on my anti-depressants, in the hope that I would pass away in my sleep. I woke up the next morning, broken and confused. I checked myself into a mental hospital, where the only thing I had to read was my father's bible. That bible re-invigorated a sense of belief in me, one that I had been lacking for years. I found God in the last place I thought I would find anyone. When I was finally discharged, I was a changed man and one who wanted to start to pursue God's heart. That's what I ended up doing, plugging into bible study groups, and getting involved with my Church again. For the first time in my life, I truly felt free, and unconstrained by the worries of the world. I hope to one day serve as a Youth Pastor, dedicating my resources to showing broken kids that God isn't ready to give up on them. As I pursue my higher education to become a music educator, I look back on the events of this year, and feel nothing but happiness that God is there for me. I know now that perhaps I can pursue an actual relationship with him, and hopefully inspire others to do the same. Faith truly does change a person, taking them from broken and turning them into a person who wants nothing more than to see the awesome glory of God. I believe that through music we show this relationship, with our songs of worship being the times when we are laid most bare before God. I hope that my love for music, when combined with my love for God can truly inspire other students to worship him with the gifts we've been given. I've decided that for the rest of my days, I will earnestly dedicate my time, talents, and treasures to further the kingdom. It's only through action that others can hear the Gospel, and what better way than to become a teacher? If it is our responsibility as Christians to live a life worthy of the calling, then I will let my actions as an educator represent to the children I impact, that our God is an awesome God, and his kingdom is there for us all.