Just before starting the 8th grade I was like many other middle-schoolers: awkward, angsty, and nervous to join the ranks of the dreaded prison known as high school. Always on the hunt for a new musical endeavor, I wrote my name down on the marching band interest list. Little did I know, in that moment I changed the course of my life for the better. That may sound a little dramatic, but there is no way you could understand the discipline and dedication it takes to be in band unless you've done it yourself.

An average of six to nine hours a week of practice, memorization of music and drill (the formations that you see on the field), and constant work on technique make for a challenging Fall season. My junior year I became a drum major, which was a whole new beast. I was expected to run stretches, check-in on my fellow band members during rehearsal, help run things behind-the-scenes, and of course, conduct which I learned at an intense 4-day camp.

Marching band may take much more hard work than people think, but it has been one of the best experiences of my life and taught me lessons that I couldn't learn anywhere else. I met some of my best friends through band. It was a constant that I needed through really tough times and I could always look forward to band after a tough day. It also brought me some of my favorite high school memories: huddling with my friends for warmth at football games, screaming until our voices gave out at competitions, and desperately searching for any sugary food on Fridays after being at school for 14 hours at a time. The adrenaline of marching on the field for a performance was like no other for me, and still is in college band.

A lot of people have a hard time transitioning to college but thanks to marching band, the transition was pretty easy for me. I moved in a week early and from the first day I had a full schedule and was making friends. I didn't have time to be homesick and even though band camp is practically hell on earth (don't let anyone tell you otherwise), it helps the band build a special bond 200+ people strong.

Through college marching band I have been given so many amazing opportunities: musical and personal growth, scholarships, free trips around the country, and most importantly being able to represent and perform for my school on the reg Lining up in the tunnel under Lincoln financial field, under red lights, adrenaline pumping, and screaming "It's great to be a Temple Owl" never, ever gets old.

Yes, I'm 100% a nerd and I will never deny that. But my nerdiness has given me some of the greatest gifts and opportunities of my life and I will cherish them forever.