I’ve experienced so much in my short twenty years of life and the one thing that has stayed consistent is my love for music. It is the one thing that I know I can count on. It doesn’t say "I told you so," or judge me for the decisions I’ve made. It has been there in my brightest moments and has been the glue that held me together when I was at my worst. For every mood, there’s a song to match. For most songs, there’s a memory attached, whether it’s a good memory or not. For every phase I’ve gone through, there has been a new genre of music to coincide. It’s been my go-to for everything for as long as I can remember. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for music, but hopefully, this is a start.

To my music,

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved you. From my first concert at a ripe age of 6 to my dorm room now as I’m typing away, you’re always there. You’re like the friend and childhood companion that I grew up with. When I was young and carefree, so were you. As I grew older and needed something more meaningful, there you were again bringing along the perfect lyrics. I can’t remember a time that you weren’t present, mostly because I cannot accomplish anything without some sort of melody in the background. I guess what I’m really trying to say is thank you. Thank you for being the noise that fills my bedroom every morning while I’m bustling around my room, still half asleep, trying to get ready. Thank you for boosting my mood a little bit on my drives to school. Also, for drowning out my brother’s voice on those drives because let’s face it—he’s a bit tone deaf. Thank you, old friend, for comforting me when I felt alone in the world. For being there when I laid crying in my bed because my first love was unfaithful. Your words healed my broken pride, and even more than that, you patched together my broken heart and sent me on my way. And when it happened again with a different boy, you were still right there ready to fix me up again. Or when I had finally convinced my mom I was able to stay home by myself for an entire weekend, your quick tempo beats and cheerful lyrics filled the silence of my empty house. Only you and I know that I’m actually terrified of being alone at night. When I’m in my feels and can’t seem to find any of the right words to say, you’re prepared with a timeless ballot that puts my spinning mind at ease. And I can’t forget all of the hour long showers I’ve taken, contemplating life and my place in it. You’re there, in the background, offering sweet words of encouragement. Thank you for the long nights when I couldn’t sleep and no one else was awake. Also, for your companionship on the long drives when I just needed to clear my head.

But our relationship hasn’t just included the negative moments in my life; you’ve been there through all of the better memories as well. On those weekend drives in high school to get Circle K slushies and Taco Bell. And the time we played Disney karaoke in my best friend’s basement. Or on the bus ride to every football/basketball game, when we religiously listened to the same three songs. Let’s be honest, dance recitals and cheer competitions wouldn’t have been possible without you. Although I have a secret animosity for those songs now, they were once what made me the happiest. Even now, on the weekends, when my friends and I are hopelessly picking out what to wear, there’s a happy techno beat pounding away beneath our laughter. When I made the decision to start loving myself, you changed with me. You’re the upbeat tune that I dance in my room to, and what I sing to when I’m in my car. Although, sometimes I really should just leave the singing to whomever I’m listening to that day. When I was nervous before a pageant, you were there to relax my frantic mind. You’re my safe haven in any awkward situation, or when I’m trying to avoid an awkward situation. I can faithfully count on you to be there, serenading me with catchy lyrics and infectious beats, for any of lifes possible situations.

With all the love in the world,

The avid listener