When I was transitioning from elementary school to intermediate school, in 5th grade, we were given the choice between doing band, choir, or having that time to study. I ultimately chose band and began playing the trumpet the moment I signed up in 4th grade. Being a "band nerd" was probably one of the greatest decisions of my life and since I chose to start playing trumpet, I have never looked back. Eventually, it started to consume my life even more when I transitioned into the high school Wind Ensemble and marching bands. Even though classical concert band has my heart, my true love became marching band and it even carried on with me through college where I joined the Butler University Athletic Bands as a first trumpet player. Why did I keep going? Here are some of the best life lessons I have learned from joining band:

1. It's addicting

There's nothing like putting your all into an activity with a small group of people. It's one of the best feelings once you get the banquet and you look back at what all of the hard work amounted to.

2. DCI!!!!!

DCI (Drum Corps International) is one of the most exhilarating experiences! It's basically the NFL of marching bands where the best of the best compete -- how cool is that?

3. The people

The people you will meet are the kindest and most accepting people. From late night runs to Steak 'N Shake after performances to section breakfasts the morning of competitions, these are the people you will never forget.

4. The memories

The tiny moments you experience will stick with you, like when my entire brass section decided to eat ghost peppers before a 3 hour rehearsal, or when I was dumped the night before a rehearsal and my entire band came up and hugged me for 10 minutes. These are the little things that will stick with you forever.

5. Who I became

I learned about pain, tolerance, patience, and kindness. I learned what it means to be a true leader and how strength comes in many different forms. I learned to be grateful for the high times and the low times because no matter how bleak my life seemed to be sometimes, I always had an amazing team by my side through it all.