I remember as a little kid getting in the car with all friends for dance class. We of course had our own secret handshake to pump us up. During this handshake, we always sang a song we made up to the music of Hannah Montana's "Best of Both Worlds." Belting out every word of our song was my happiness, I just loved how each and every one of my friends was smiling and happy.

The sensations around me created an experience that I will always remember. This memory makes it important for me to continue the tradition of pump-up music. Everyone has senses, but these senses are stimulated differently for everyone. Similarly, everyone is stimulated by music, but the type of music stimulant is different for everyone.

For me, I like listening to songs about remembering to be myself–remembering to trust myself–remembering to motivate myself. The following songs stimulate my senses:

1. My Shot by Lin-Manuel Miranda

2. This is Me by Keala Settle

3. Always Be Together by Little Mix

4. Boomerang by The Summer Set

5. Non-Stop by Lin-Manuel Miranda

I enjoy how each of these songs naturally takes breaths during pauses but is also upbeat. It is most important to breathe whether it be during dance class or exams.

Breath relaxes you and increases your focus. With a breath, you can create more energy for yourself and allow yourself to excel through the details of each question. Whether it be a hand cramp during an essay or a mind-block during multiple choice, breathing will relieve this tension. These songs stimulate my mind to go, go, and go before my exams so I can learn more, more, and more.