Before I’m done with Collegiate School and the Open Gym Project, I want to leave something behind to serve as a reflection of all that I’ve experienced in Virginia. Nature, running, and Open Gym have helped me realize who I want to be, and the means to do so. Their essences embody humbleness, hard work, and leadership, and their value to me is unmatched. In the process of learning about myself there has always been music to help me achieve a worldly appreciation on life through others eyes. By accepting the many emotions that are constantly relayed in music, I feel confident going into the future, and I know how I want to leave my mark. While gazing out upon the James River, walking down Virginia Beach, or hiking the Appalachian Trail, my mind is able to temporarily dissolve all of the problems I may have. Even when I return from these places, the memories are savored. I hold onto the feelings from these places, and am able to persevere through any task, no matter how exhausting it might be. As a part of the Collegiate Distance program, I have been able to find in myself that I am able to achieve goals beyond my belief, especially with the encouragement of those around me. I have developed relationships with my coaches and teammates that have proven that the belief in myself and the ones around me guarantee that I will finish any task with excellence. I have put much of my faith into music, for it never fails to remind me of what is important in life. When I dance, go to a concert, or play music with friends, I realize who I really am. Music unites all people, and when you listen to a song, you subliminally are connected to every other person who has heard that song. There is a mutual understanding about the song’s meaning that allows you to relate with all who have heard it. At Open Gym, working with children with autism has challenged me to establish understanding with those who have a different style of understanding things. It sometimes takes weeks for me to able to teach a child how to shoot a basketball, but with supportive persistence, they are able to make a basket. It’s an unbelievable feeling for the children, their parents, and especially me. There is no person too far from understanding. We are all able to relate to one another if we are willing to pick ourselves up after failure, to help others up when they are hurt, and to take the time to listen and understand each other. Before I’m done, I hope my music will justify these words.