Everyone has that one all-time favorite rapper, singer, or band whose music has left a big impression or impact on their life. For me, it's Michael Seander aka, Mike Stud. For those of you who don't know, Mike was a big-time athlete as he took his talents to the baseball field at Duke University. There, he had a lot of success as he was named the Blue Devils' closer and posted a 1.61 era (lowest in school history) and recorded 9 saves in 28 appearances. But sadly, his career would come to an abrupt halt as the pitcher had to get Tommy John surgery following his sophomore season, and that's when he turned to music. It was in 2010 when Stud released his viral video and one of my personal favorite songs by him "College Humor" which started out as a joke but blew up fast beginning his music career.

I was first introduced to Mike Stud's music my freshman year of high school by my brother when he showed me the song college humor, and my love for him and his music soon began. Ever since then, Mike Stud has been one of my favorite artists and has been a big inspiration in my life. Besides having amazing music, Mike has taught me some important life lessons I wish I would have known in the past. Like, happiness isn't a place, it's not a finish line, it's not a brand new house, it's the journey. And I feel like this is something we all need to hear because in today's society we're always in a rush to get to what's next, but we never truly live in and just enjoy the moment. As he sings in his song "Kids, "Success is a journey but we treat it like a place, and it doesn't make sense if you don't enjoy the ride." Mike Stud's music truly opened my eyes to what life is all about because I've been so caught up with trying to be successful I never truly focused on being happy and enjoying life, until one day I read a quote from him that said, "Don't lose your happiness on the pursuit for more" and it really hit me. It was something I needed to hear and It is definitely some advice I wish someone would have given me a long time ago.

If there's anything I could say to Mike, it would be thank you for your music and for being such a big inspiration in my life. I know there are tons of people around the world who feel the same way when we hear your music and I am super happy I was introduced to your music. Whether I needed some good party songs, songs to help me get through a breakup or just some songs to vibe out to, your music has always been my go to. But beyond your music, your story has been a big inspiration in my life as you've shown us all how to persevere and how to find happiness.

Thanks for everything Steve. #YaNevaKnow