Music has been an integral part of my life from the very young age of 10. From the moment I saw a band perform at my elementary school I knew right then and there that I wanted to be a musician. Next thing I knew I picked up my first clarinet and it was that moment that I could turn to music whenever life was making me feel down. Music was an outlet of mine. I played my heart out day in and day out; from the first rehearsal to the last, from performance to performance. Playing your heart out is automatically expected of you at a young age.

As I grew older and started to play more instruments and taking on more performing groups, I began to understand what music was and how much it meant to me. I learned that there is more to music than what is written on paper. Sadly, you expect much more from yourself. Each time you endure these blows your psyche. I pushed myself so much during high school. As much as music was a vital part of my life, it seemed that once my high school music career was over, I didn't have a passion for it anymore. It's those situations, a lack of certainty, that calls for a trustworthy, reliable, and loving professor to look up to. I was blessed to have that professor that was all that and more. One who helped me rebuild my confidence, fuel my passion, and learn to have fun with music instead of contributing to its decline.

This music professor recognized my talent by watching me at other performances and at a performance that was conducted by this music professor. I knew my music career in high school was coming to a close but this music professor saw a lot more in me. When I committed to college I was contacted in joining the music program I was very hesitant in reviving my music career after being so burnt out after all those years of intense performances. That summer after Orientation I received another email and it was that moment that I wanted to come back and give it one more try.

The music professor knew that I had this passion for music all my life, but my negativity seemed to overshadow that. I had the tendency to get nervous a lot and get frustrated whenever I made a mistake. I wanted perfection in music. I wanted to play music and focus on my studies; it was hard.

I stuck with music all four years of college. Over the years I was given some individual lessons and help outside of class time. The parts I was given were a mix between easy and very difficult. I went over the parts over and over and it seemed I couldn't get them right. It was those moments of stress and struggle that my music professor taught me that it's okay to make mistakes and that there isn't perfection in music. Music is about expression and reaching out to the audience through each note. I was taught exactly that.

My music professor taught me so much. I was taught to keep my emotions in check and to never get frantic. I was told to always stay calm and to breathe even when life gets too stressful or things don't go my way during a performance. I was taught how to be more expressive with music that goes beyond the notes. My music professor helped me out a lot.

Thanks to my music professor's dedication and love for music, I had nothing holding me back from reaching every goal I had set for myself. Two ensembles, a solo performance, being an executive officer of our school's music club. All because this person believed in more more than I had ever believed in myself. I am forever grateful of all the accomplishments and successes that my professor has given me. Music has shaped me into a much better person and my professor helped me see that. I was taught that music will take me far in life and it certainly will. Without the constant guidance, help, and passion, I wouldn't be the musician that I am today.

I can never thank my professor enough for all they've done for me. I would love to take that passion with me and help others out through what I learned. Maybe one day I can fuel children's passions for music as well. My music career may be coming to a close, but it's what goes beyond the music that I will hold onto along with the notes.

Thank you professor...for everything. <3