Music has always been a constant in my life. Yes, I’ve been playing the cello for almost thirteen years but, music was in my life long before that.

I remember back in the “good old days” when my dad would play “The Band” while I sat shotgun or when I took piano lessons when I was five. Ah, what a simpler time. But now things have changed. I’m a junior in college, still playing the cello and I could probably name any song by any artist, just play me a ten second intro.

In third grade, my school offered the opportunity to play string instruments and join Choir and chorus, that’s where my “music career” started.

Although I sang in chorus and chamber choirs all the way up until high school, playing the cello came easy to me. Playing the cello has been the one constant in my life. Looking back, I remember exact moments when playing and singing where I improved and saw myself grow as a musician. I’ve met so many friends through my involvement in the music program, making many memories like going to Disney World my sophomore year of high school, all of the fun times at music camp, whether I was a camper or a counselor, and being President of my high school’s Orchestra my senior year. My music teachers had the most impact on me. They helped me grow as a musician, but also as a person. As a junior in college, I’m still growing as a musician and, as a person.

But music doesn’t just mean my ability to play and understand a piece, it also comes down to the bands I listen to. My taste ranges from screaming all of the words to “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill or singing along to my favorite song, “The Weight” by The Band. Everyone always laughs at my obsession with Dave Matthews Band, but I will never forget when I went to a Dave Matthews Band concert and the last song they played was Grey Street, which is a song I swear Dave wrote about me, and I cried my eyes out.

Although it may seem like someone has me all figured out as soon as they meet me, music allows me to express my thoughts and feelings in which my words can’t describe and it helps me escape from the realities of the world. Playing my cello or listening to music is like therapy for me. It allows me to escape from whatever I’m feeling at the time and lets me focus and feel the music.

So as I sit here listening to Johnny Cash, thank you, music, for always being there, letting me truly express myself, the people I’ve met, and the memories you brought me.