When my kindergarten teacher suggested that I should learn an instrument, without hesitation I immediately blurted out the drums. While I did not know anything about playing the drums yet, I felt intensely drawn to the idea. I was intrigued by the concept of being the stable, rhythmic foundation of the music, of being the center stone on which the other instruments relied. My first concert memory was my own drum recital, the exhilaration and confidence I felt during my first drum recital ignited my passion for drumming. The recital in my teacher’s backyard created a charming and memorable atmosphere. The patio was transformed into a makeshift stage, with the drum set positioned prominently in the middle, gleaming under the stage lights. Cheap lawn chairs formed a semi-circle surrounding the stage. The chairs were filled with smiling parents and restless children. Seeing how many people would be watching me perform made my stomach spin. The soft murmur of conversation never let my mind forget the number of people I would be performing in front of. It was a warm summer evening, and the scent of fresh grass and wet dirt overwhelmed my senses. The golden sun glistened across the lawn, casting gentle shadows and amber light. As I looked around at the tranquil lawn, it helped ground me in the moment and let me try to calm my nerves, despite my growing anxiety as my performance grew closer. While I was filled with anxiety leading up to the performance, I was quickly overcome with enthusiasm and confidence. Before I went on stage I felt nervous and self-conscious, my heart pounded against my ribcage with a mix of fear and excitement. While most of the performers were also quite young, I was by far the youngest at just barely five years old. I questioned whether I was good enough to perform beside the older drummers. My teacher called my name, beckoning me to the stage. As I stood up from my seat, my legs felt like rubber beneath me, and my clammy hands gripped my drumsticks. Shakily, I walked up onto the stage and my teacher shot me a reaffirming smile. I sat behind the drum set, and I instantly felt my nerves calm. As the music started, I felt my heartbeat match the rhythm of the song. My anxiety melted away and turned into sharp focus. I felt natural on the stage as if the drums and the stage itself were an extension of my limbs. Performing had a massive emotional and physical impact, leaving me craving more. The deep vibrations of the bass drum reverberated through my entire body, traveling from my limbs to my core. The cymbals’ sharp crashes pierced the air, striking my eardrums. Each beat was proof of the hours of lessons and practice I had put into learning the song. I was enthralled by the exhilaration of performing. The adrenaline rush, and the confirmation of my hard work from the applause, left me wanting more. The mixture triggered an intense love for music. I felt an indescribable pull to the stage, urging me to continue performing. I loved it and I knew I wanted to keep performing. At such a young age, this first recital was a pivotal moment for me. It cemented my passion for drumming and triggered my love for performing which continues to this day over a decade later. The sheer joy I felt left me with a drive to continue pursuing music and I knew the stage was where I felt the most comfortable.

I have had many close friends and family members who have suffered from both drug and alcohol addiction. Seeing the suffering that some of those closest to me have experienced has left an everlasting impact on me. As a result of these experiences, I have developed a strong interest in understanding addiction and helping those who struggle with it, this interest has led me to pursue a degree in psychology. Through my coursework, I gained valuable insights into the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to addiction. I have also learned about effective treatment strategies and the importance of providing recovery support and resources to individuals. I hope to help those around me who suffer from addiction, knowing well that they are not any less and deserve immense love and support. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have sought out volunteer opportunities that allow me to directly support those affected by addiction. For example, I have volunteered with the Street Dawg Crew and other organizations to help the homeless, many of who are suffering from addiction. Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that individuals with addiction face, including stigma, limited access to resources, and barriers to treatment. I have also witnessed firsthand the transformative power of support and resources, and the immense difference they can make in someone's life. My experiences have reinforced my belief that addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach to treatment and support. I firmly believe that addiction is not a moral failing, but rather a chronic disease that requires ongoing management and care. In terms of relationships, my experiences have taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and non-judgment when it comes to interacting with individuals struggling with addiction. I have learned to approach conversations about addiction with sensitivity and care, recognizing the potential for shame and stigma surrounding the issue. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to further develop my skills and knowledge in the field of addiction studies. I am eager to continue learning about the latest research and evidence-based practices and to apply this knowledge to help those struggling with addiction in my community. Moreover, the financial support provided by this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my academic pursuits and volunteer work. As a full-time student, I often struggle to balance my coursework with my part-time job and other responsibilities. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies and volunteer work.