My passion for music began probably before I was even born. My dad, a dedicated guitarist, always had a deep love for music. He would compose melodies, learn countless songs, and even perform a few times. Although he never made it a profession, he passed down his passion for music directly to me. At the age of five, I began taking classical piano lessons. My teacher’s fingers would brush down the piano keys, and it felt like I was experiencing a wash of emotion through the overtones floating in the air. I was regularly brought to tears by the music coming from her soul. These early experiences instilled in me a deep-rooted passion for music. As I grew older, I expanded my musical repertoire by learning the violin. I played both piano and violin in an orchestra and joined a jazz band, immersing myself in diverse musical styles. This required a lot of practice to hold myself to the standard of truly expressing myself. My initial path was toward a career in classical music. I spent countless hours practicing piano, performing in recitals, and participating in competitions. However, during high school, my biggest influence, who pulled the cork on my creativity, was FKJ (French Kiwi Juice). His music resonated with me so deeply that I began producing, making beats, writing songs with lyrics, and multi-tracking vocals in a fusion of intricate classical piano, hip-hop, house, funk, and psychedelic rock. This shift was pivotal, leading me to discover my unique voice and style. Music took me from Illinois to Boston, where I enrolled at Berklee College of Music. Here, I met some of my best friends and found solace in those who also shared a passion for music. It was something we connected over deeply. Boston exposed me to great thinkers and artists, shaping my musical journey and my understanding of the world. Doing music gave me my life’s purpose, and now I am surrounded by a community representing over 110 countries. This vibrant environment has deepened my understanding of global cultures and reinforced my belief in music’s power to unite. My unique talent lies in blending global musical influences—incorporating diverse grooves, scales, and languages into my compositions. By doing so, I aim to create music that resonates with listeners worldwide, allowing them to see a part of themselves in my work. Music transcends language barriers and can evoke emotions and insights, connecting people beyond linguistic and cultural differences. I am committed to using my skills to build a more empathetic and understanding global community. Music is a universal language that can bridge divides and teach the values of love and connection, regardless of skin color or background. By sharing my music, I hope to inspire others to embrace our shared humanity and celebrate our diverse experiences. Through my compositions, I strive to create a space where everyone feels included, understood, and valued. Ultimately, my goal is to use my music to foster empathy, understanding, and connection among people from all walks of life. I plan to take a gap semester before my graduation to put all my time into making a cohesive record, which I can release and start performing in the Chicago area, where I will be based during my gap semester. Music is my life’s devotion, and I hope to make a lasting impact on the world through it.

Being a Bulgarian-American, I have often struggled with my identity, feeling neither fully "American" nor "Bulgarian." What once felt like a weakness has become one of my greatest strengths, enabling me to connect with people across the world. This duality has given me a unique perspective on cultural empathy and understanding, which I aim to foster through my passion for music. My parents moved from Bulgaria to Chicago shortly before I was born. We faced significant financial hardships, a common story for many immigrant families. My father worked long hours without a single day off for years, while my mother stayed home to care for my brother and me. Despite these challenges, my parents prioritized our development, scraping together every penny to enroll us in piano, tae kwon do, violin, and soccer lessons. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for dedication, resilience, and the importance of investing in one’s passions. In elementary school, I was deeply embedded in the Bulgarian community in Chicago, surrounded by friends who shared my heritage. However, as we grew older, our interests began to diverge. While others pursued conventional interests such as cars and financial success, I immersed myself in music. This passion set me apart, creating a sense of alienation but also opening doors to new friendships and cultural experiences. After moving to the northwest suburbs of Chicago, finding my place was challenging. However, I found solace in my school’s orchestral program, where I connected with peers from diverse backgrounds—Indian, Japanese, Mexican, even Portuguese. Music became our universal language, bridging our cultural differences and fostering a sense of community. These high school relationships blossomed into a multicultural giving tree of love, connection, and joy. They taught me that my identity transcends national borders; I am a citizen of the world. Now, as a student at Berklee College of Music, I am surrounded by a community representing over 110 countries. This vibrant environment has deepened my understanding of global cultures and reinforced my belief in music’s power to unite. My friends from various parts of the world have profoundly influenced me, exposing me to a myriad of musical styles, traditions, and perspectives. This exposure has enriched my musical abilities and broadened my worldview, helping me to appreciate the beauty of cultural diversity. My unique talent lies in blending global musical influences—incorporating diverse grooves, scales, and languages into my compositions. By doing so, I aim to create music that resonates with listeners worldwide, allowing them to see a part of themselves in my work. Music transcends language barriers and can evoke emotions and insights, connecting people beyond linguistic and cultural differences. I am committed to using my skills to build a more empathetic and understanding global community. Music is a universal language that can bridge divides and teach the values of love and connection, regardless of skin color or background. By sharing my music, I hope to inspire others to embrace our shared humanity and celebrate our diverse experiences. Through my compositions, I strive to create a space where everyone feels included, understood, and valued. Ultimately, my goal is to use my music to foster empathy, understanding, and connection among people from all walks of life. We are all simply the same people experiencing the world in our own unique ways, and music is my best tool to reach out to others and teach the values of love and connection. By promoting cultural appreciation and mutual respect through my music, I hope to contribute to a more empathetic and understanding global community.

My passion with music began probably before I was even born. My dad, who is a guitarist, always had a deep passion for music. He would compose melodies, learn tons of music and has even performed a few times. Although he never was able to make it a profession, he passed down his passion for music directly to me. At a young age I was enrolled in classical piano lessons. A few years into my lessons my teacher would perform the pieces of music that she would want me to practice. Her fingers would brush down the piano keys and it felt like little me was experiencing a wash of emotion through the overtones floating in the air. I would very regularly in these moments be brought to tears by the music coming out of her soul. I think that is when I had started developing a deep rooted passion for music. As I grew up I started involving myself in various facets of music. I played violin and piano in an orchestra, and played in a jazz band. To say the least, all of this took a lot of practice to hold myself to the standard of truly expressing myself. Towards the end of highschool, my biggest influence who pulled the cork on my creativity was FKJ (French Kiwi Juice). I began to produce, make beats, write songs with lyrics and multi-tracked vocals in a fusion of intricate classical piano, hip-hop, house, funk, and psychedelic rock. His music resonated with me on such a deep level that I started wanting to make my own. I wanted to make records. I eventually ended up where I am now, Berklee College of Music, In an attempt to learn more about synthesis, engineering, performing, composing, arranging and most of all learning a way of life. Grateful is a word that is inadequate to describe how I feel to be where I am at. I recognize that I would not be here without the inspiration of others and influence of others and that is the thing that drives me to make my art the most authentic it can be. The same way that I was able to feel emotions through the music I connected to is what inspires me to do that for others. To let my music be a way to open up emotions people have trapped inside them, as well as being a voice for joy and a voice for change. I plan to take a gap semester before my graduation so that I can put all my time into making a full cohesive record which I can release and start to perform in the Chicago area (where I will be based during my gap semester). I have no idea how my music will be received by people but I hope that I am able to touch the hearts and lives of many others just as my heart has been touched. I am not sure where music will take me but I hope to be a touring musician after college, constantly on the edge of the boundaries of music. Questioning the norms and exploring new space while educating budding musicians through masterclasses that I hold in arts institutions created by my friends. To say the least, my goal with music is to inspire others while also pushing the boundaries of the art to newer depths. Exposing others to sounds they have never heard before and making them feel emotions that they did not know they could express. It is something that I have decided I will devote my life to.

My passion with music probably began before I was even born. My dad, who is a guitarist, always had a deep passion for music. He would compose melodies, learn tons of music and has even performed a few times. Although he never was able to make it a profession, he passed down his passion for music directly to me. At a young age I was enrolled in classical piano lessons. A few years into my lessons my teacher would perform the pieces of music that she would want me to practice. Her fingers would brush down the piano keys and it felt like little me was experiencing a wash of emotion through the overtones floating in the air. I would very regularly in these moments be brought to tears by the music coming out of her soul. I think that is when I had started developing a deep rooted connection to music. As I grew up I started involving myself in various facets of music. I played violin and piano in an orchestra, and played in a jazz band. To say the least, all of this took a lot of practice to hold myself to the standard of truly expressing myself. Towards the end of highschool, my biggest influence who pulled the cork on my creativity was FKJ (French Kiwi Juice). I began to produce, make beats, write songs with lyrics and multi-tracked vocals in a fusion of intricate classical piano, hip-hop, house, funk, and psychedelic rock. His music resonated with me on such a deep level that I started wanting to make my own. I wanted to make records. I eventually ended up where I am now, Berklee College of Music, In an attempt to learn more about synthesis, engineering, performing, composing, arranging and most of all learning a way of life. Grateful is a word that is inadequate to describe how I feel to be where I am at. I recognize that I would not be here without the inspiration of others and influence of others and that is the thing that drives me to make my art the most authentic it can be. The same way that I was able to feel emotions through the music I connected to is what inspires me to do that for others. To let my music be a way to open up emotions people have trapped inside them, as well as being a voice for joy and a voice for change. I plan to take a gap semester before my graduation so that I can put all my time into making a full cohesive record which I can release and start to perform in the Chicago area (where I will be based during my gap semester). I have no idea how my music will be received by people but I hope that I am able to touch the hearts and lives of many others just as my heart has been touched. I am not sure where music will take me but I hope to be a touring musician, constantly on the edge of the boundaries of music, questioning the norms and exploring new space while educating budding artists through masterclasses that I hold in arts institutions all over the world. To say the least, my goal with music is to inspire others while also pushing the boundaries of the art to newer depths. Exposing others to sounds they have never heard before and making them feel emotions that they did not know they could express. It is something that I have decided I will devote my life to.

If I had to choose a lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's *GUTS* that resonates deeply with my teenage experience, it would be from the song "get him back!"—"And I faked it every time, but that's alright." This lyric captures the essence of adolescence, with its whirlwind of emotions, insecurities, and the struggle to find one's true self amidst societal expectations. This past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I had my first real relationship, and like many first loves, it felt magical at the beginning. We shared everything—dreams, secrets, and countless hours listening to music. But as time went on, cracks began to form. I started feeling like I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t just to keep the relationship afloat. The lyric, "And I faked it every time, but that's alright," perfectly encapsulates the internal conflict I faced. On the outside, I tried to maintain a facade of happiness and perfection, but inside, I was struggling to stay true to myself. Adolescence is often a time of trying to fit in and meet expectations, whether they come from parents, friends, or even ourselves. The pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming, and it's easy to lose sight of who we really are. For me, this lyric speaks to the moments when I felt like I had to conform to someone else’s idea of who I should be, instead of embracing my true self. Breaking up with my boyfriend was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It felt like my world was falling apart. I spent countless nights replaying our last conversation in my head, much like Olivia sings about in her lyrics. The line, "And I faked it every time, but that's alright," became my anthem during this period. It reminded me that it's okay to have pretended, to have tried to make things work even when they were falling apart, and most importantly, it's okay to let go. Listening to Olivia Rodrigo's *GUTS* album, I found solace in knowing that I wasn't alone in my feelings. Songs like "all-american bitch" and "ballad of a homeschooled girl" resonated with my experiences of feeling out of place and misunderstood. Olivia’s raw and honest portrayal of teenage emotions helped me realize that these struggles are a universal part of growing up. Her music encouraged me to embrace my vulnerabilities and to be honest with myself about what I want and who I am. Through this journey, I’ve learned that adolescence is a time of self-discovery and growth. It’s a time to make mistakes, to fake it until we make it, and to learn from our experiences. The challenges we face during these years shape who we become and teach us valuable lessons about resilience and authenticity. The line, "And I faked it every time, but that's alright," reminds me that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It’s okay to stumble and to not always be true to ourselves, as long as we keep striving to find our own path. Olivia Rodrigo’s *GUTS* album has been a soundtrack to my teenage years, capturing the raw emotions and challenges that come with growing up. Her music has taught me to embrace my flaws, to be vulnerable, and to find strength in my experiences. In essence, Olivia Rodrigo’s *GUTS* has not only mirrored my teenage experiences but has also been a guiding light through the tumultuous journey of adolescence. It has inspired me to be true to myself, to embrace my vulnerabilities, and to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.

If my year had a soundtrack, it would reflect the emotional rollercoaster that defined these past few months, resonating deeply with Taylor Swift's *1989 (Taylor’s Version)*. At the start of the year, everything seemed like a dream with my boyfriend of two years. We shared everything—dreams, secrets, and favorite songs. However, we slowly began to grow distant. Until a particular night in February where he said “We need to break up.” His voice trembled with uncertainty, explaining he needed to find himself apart from me. It left me shattered, constantly replaying our last moments in a daze of disbelief and regret. As I was eating ice cream on my bed, in what felt like a pool of tears. I found solace in Taylor Swift’s music, particularly "Out of the Woods." Its melody mirroring my anxious thoughts, wondering if there would ever be clarity. Nights were spent lost in its lyrics. Each verse resonating with the pain of reliving our final conversation—the avoided eye contact, the deafening silence that followed, and the finality in his voice. It felt like being lost in an emotional wilderness. I was unsure how to navigate the heartache consuming me. As days turned to weeks, I started listening to "Clean" as my anthem for healing. Its lyrics echoing the end of our relationship. Slowly, I began to purge reminders of him, deleting old messages and stashing away photos. Yet, despite my attempts at closure, a creative block stifled me. Unable to express myself through music, I felt adrift without my usual outlet for processing emotions. "I Wish You Would" embodied my longing for reconciliation, its lyrics a poignant reminder of late-night conversations and spontaneous adventures now relegated to memory. The song's melancholy-ness reflected the ache of wanting things back to how they once were, despite knowing deep down that moving forward was my only option. "Shake It Off." Its upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics encouraged me to shed the weight of heartbreak and embrace a new beginning. I have obviously been listening to it for years at this point but in these moments I realized life’s too short to dwell on pain, and I needed to reclaim my joy and identity outside of our relationship. I was honestly inspired by Taylor Swift’s ability to turn pain into art, so I picked up my guitar again. Writing became my therapy, a way to transform heartache into creativity. Through this process, I discovered resilience and a renewed passion for music. In essence, *1989 (Taylor’s Version)* became more than an album; it became my companion through the journey of loss and self-discovery. Taylor’s lyrics mirrored my emotions, offering solace and empowerment to navigate the complexities of healing and growth after heartbreak. Each song became a chapter in my own story of resilience, reminding me that from every low point, there is a path forward illuminated by the power of music and self-expression. Even outside of heartbreak, this album is an anthem for life and the highs and lows that we all deal with. It taught me that I can make it through despite what challenges are brought my way.