Being involved in the arts has shaped almost everything about who I am today. I started playing clarinet in third grade and stayed with it through years of practice and performing. By the time I got to high school it had became the main focus of my life and how I identified myself. With determination, I accomplished my goal to become the woodwind section leader of the concert band and wind ensemble my sophomore year. By my junior year I was leading the school's jazz band and had earned the Drum Major position in the marching band. These roles impacted my growth in the best way possible. Leadership, empathy, and mentorship now shape much of who I am, and how I show up. Fellow students are counting on me every day. I have to stay organized and confident even when things are stressful. I've learned how to stay calm and make decisions that help the whole group. I have a better understanding of how to handle all kinds of personalities and keep everyone focused. These roles gave me a lot more confidence in myself both in music and outside of it. Music also changed my critical thinking. When I picked up the saxophone in eighth grade and was introduced to jazz, it was like my whole brain flipped a switch. Suddenly I was hearing music in a way I never had before. I started noticing things like phrasing, harmony, and how musicians bounce off each other when they improvise. Jazz felt so alive to me. It's never perfect, always moving, always changing. Thinking like this has carried over into real life and has really helped me learn to approach new things with curiosity and creativity. When I look back at where it all started it is hard to imagine where I would be if I had not joined the music program in third grade. What began with performing elementary school Christmas songs in after school recitals, has grown into a passion and a clear direction for my future. I recently auditioned, and was accepted into the jazz studies program at Sacramento State University. This is an amazing opportunity and I am so excited to continue building my skills and understanding of the art form of jazz. This fall, I will start on my long-term goal to earn a doctorate in jazz studies and become a post secondary music educator. I hope to inspire students to pursue their own paths in the music industry with confidence, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose.

I built my musical foundation through consistent practice and performance since the third grade. By the time I reached high school, music had become more than just an activity—it was central to my daily life and identity. I became the woodwind section lead playing clarinet in my high school concert band and wind ensemble, and eventually earned the role of Drum Major in the marching band. In that position, I learned how to lead rehearsals, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for the success of an entire ensemble of 99 musicians. Music taught me discipline, time management, and how to work collaboratively toward a common goal. During high school, music also reshaped how I think and listen. After picking up the saxophone in 8th grade, I was introduced to jazz and modern music, which challenged me to engage with music on a deeper level. Instead of listening passively, I began listening with intent—analyzing phrasing, harmony, and the interaction between musicians. This shift influenced not only my musicianship but also how I approach learning in general, encouraging me to think critically and creatively. I now lead my high school jazz big band, and also the jazz combo band. Music has been a constant source of motivation throughout my high school years. It has pushed me to improve, given me a sense of purpose, and connected me with a community of people who share similar passions. Whether performing, rehearsing, or listening, music has shaped how I spend my time and how I see the world. Looking ahead, I plan to major in jazz studies, where I can continue developing both my technical abilities and my understanding of music as an evolving art form. After completing my degree, I intend to pursue a doctorate in jazz studies and build a career as a post-secondary music educator. I hope to teach students not only how to perform, but how to think about music in a meaningful and innovative way. My goal is to contribute to the future of music through both education and creation. I want to help others develop their own musical voices while also exploring new ideas that push the boundaries of jazz and modern music. Ultimately, I hope to create music that resonates with both musicians and non-musicians alike. Looking back, it is difficult to imagine where I would be if I had not chosen to enroll in the after school music program in third grade. What began as curiosity has grown into a lifelong passion and a clear direction for my future.