I remember the first time I experienced your burden. I woke up at 6am and the sun was already blazing hot. Slowly, I melted for 4 more hours while learning how to properly take a 22.5 inch step. When I felt as though all the water in the world couldn't help me, the directors called for lunch. That wasn't the end. After a swift hour, we were back at it for 4 more. This day repeated itself for 3 more weeks. But you weren't over. Not at all. After school rehearsals, late night football games followed by early competition mornings were what you had planned for the next 3 months.

I was burned out. Exhausted. And nothing had ever made me happier. On the first day I met you, I had no idea you would introduce me to the hardest, most fulfilling 4 years of my life. Even more so, you introduced me to my life long family. I will never forget the people who stood by my side as we journeyed together. We experienced unbelievable stress attempting to juggle school, social life, and other extra curriculars while standing at attention, unable to move yet parched for water. We understand the struggle of waking up at 6am after going to bed at 2. We laughed and danced in the stands to songs that will forever bring nostalgia (Hey Baby and Smooth will never be the same). We shared tears of joy when we won, and tears of disappointment when we didn't. It is because of the thick and the thin that we became rocks for each other. We became family.

I also have to say thank you for all you taught me. I learned about respect and perseverance. You taught me to smile when I'm not appreciated for the work I do. Time management, leadership, determination are sprinkles on top of the life lesson sundae you made me. I learned to be strong in the face of pain. You taught me to take risks and do things I wouldn't normally do because life is so short (For all I know, I could've died from heat exhaustion in the middle of a run). I am the woman I am today because of you.

I think we can all agree that marching band is not the coolest of sports, but it is by far the most rewarding. Not only do we get incredible tans (and slightly embarrassing tan lines) every summer, but band members also gain friendships that will last forever. We are a family. Not a day goes by that I don't think about a memory or a person or a lesson from my four years in band.

So thank you, marching band. If not for you, I don't know where I would be today. I hope you continue to inspire generations of high schoolers who need a place to call home.