Ever since I was little, I would watch other kids excel in sports or art class, but I was the kid who felt left out because I wasn’t too great at either. My classmates discovered their passions and their strengths, but I was frustrated because I couldn’t find something that I loved. I tried baking, knitting, and even painting, but none of those sparked anything in me.

In first grade, I was introduced to my first band class. I tried playing an instrument, but that, too, did not work out. I was on the right track, but still not there yet. I joined my very first choir class when I was eight and immediately something changed in me. I realized that I loved singing, even if I wasn’t the best. I decided that from then on, I wanted to take lessons and pursue singing. I practiced hard every day, developing my voice and finding my strengths and weaknesses. It was definitely not easy, but eventually my motivation and determination pushed me enough to grow and expand my voice. My grandfather and I would always sit down together and enjoy some of our favorite musicals. Seeing people get to sing as a career gave me so much hope, and it inspired me to want to venture into the world of music. I’ve had some really amazing opportunities, and I’ve even been lucky enough to sit down with musicians and hear their words of wisdom.

Every day I have continued to push myself to grow, even if it’s in the smallest ways. I love singing, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to share my passion with a larger group of people. I’m still figuring out my voice, and it’s definitely been a journey. However, this is just the beginning for me, and I can’t wait to do greater things.