As I begin writing this application, I have just arrived home from my final competition. The end of winter guard season. This marks the official conclusion of my involvement as a performer in Bloomington South’s band program. The ending was bittersweet as I stepped out in front of my guard to receive our last award at state finals. As I look back on my 5 years in this program, I can see incredible growth in myself as an individual and in the band program as a whole. It’s easy to say color guard has been an essential part of building my skills and maturity as a young adult. Watching the band grow along with me was one of the most fascinating parts of being in this program. From celebrating a ‘participation award’ to taking home seventh place at state finals, we have undoubtedly grown tremendously each year—and so have I. Being on the visual side of the performance, I was taught to have an immense amount of confidence. The goal of color guard is to make every action you take look intentional and impressive. Having this skill to apply to the outside world has been invaluable. Everything from job interviews to impromptu speeches has been enhanced by the confidence gained from color guard. As my experience grew within the program, I was given opportunities to step up to leadership. I was able to serve as a mentor and a representative of the program. My final year as captain, I received the Panther Pride Award during marching band season and the “World’s Best Captain Award” from my buddy Catherine during winter guard. Being in a leadership position has also helped me develop real-world skills that will help me enormously in the future. Working on such a unique skill involves a lot of time and practice. On top of the schedule for the band, the color guard has an additional three months of auditions and training before the season begins, plus an added day of practice each week. Participating in this activity required an admirable amount of longanimity. You have to stand strong after hours of baking in the sun and activating all the muscles in your body. No matter how many times you hit yourself with a piece of equipment, you’re expected to pick it up and do it again. Even though it sounds rough, I wouldn’t trade it for any other experience. This activity taught me the virtues of patience and persistence, which, again, will suit me well in my life after high school. After completing my time with this program, I am extremely grateful that I have learned these skills and much more. My transition from a shy, inexperienced, and impatient eighth grader to a confident, skilled, and composed young adult was an amazing journey. This program provided me with an experience that I will fondly remember for the rest of my life.