Transitioning from life in high school to life in college is among one of the hardest things I've had to do in life. It signified moving from a life that was chosen for me by my parents, teachers and school counselors to becoming an adult and making all, or many, decisions on my own. The thought of moving out of my home and into a dorm room both thrilled and terrified me, and when I first enrolled at my school, I didn't think I'd have time for any extra activities in between classes and homework. In fact, joining the marching band was the absolute furthest thing from my mind, but five minutes at the recruitment table was all I needed to convince me that joining would be the best thing to do for myself in my college years. Two years later as I'm about to enter my third season with the organization, that idea has continually proved itself to be true.

At first, I wasn't sure I could keep up with a college marching band, especially once I got to band camp, but found myself determined to pull through and prove that I could make it. Because of that perseverance, I greatly improved in both my marching skills and my playing, and I could finally begin to enjoy everything about the college marching experience, something that would positively change my life and enhance my overall college experience.

So, to my marching band, thank you for allowing me to play in the biggest ensemble I've ever had the chance to be a part of and for the chance to perform in front of bigger audiences than I ever could have imagined. I'll never forget running out of the tunnels for my first game to cheers of thousands of fans or the pride of playing the Alma Mater at the end of home game victories. To this day, I get chills as we stand tall and proud waiting for the football team to enter the field. Thank you for allowing me to travel to different schools and stadiums around the country, experiencing new places and making memories with my friends. Speaking of which, thank you for all the friends I've made and will make in my time as a band member. I've met so many fantastic people, both in and out of my section, all of whom I continually look forward to spending time with both on and off the field. Having these people made coming to college a lot easier because I would know 200 people right off the bat. B``ecause of them, I now have some of my favorite college stories and memories (and candid shots saved on my phone).

But more than anything, thank you for making me a better person. Surviving band camp and numerous game days have taught us that nothing is impossible, and no matter how tired we get, the payoff for pressing onward is worth the trouble. I have so much pride in both the school and the band, and I'm continually amazed by our improvement year to year and the things we can accomplish together.

I can't imagine my life in college without marching band, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities and memories that my membership has granted me. And, despite the struggles, the injuries, the class conflicts and the long, tiring days, I would always choose to go back and do it all over again.