My senior year of high school, my school initiated the first Mariachi program at the school in 30 years.

Being the first class of this revamped music program was an exciting opportunity to try a new route in music since I had been in choir for many years before.

I felt a sense of pride having the opportunity to represent my culture in the form of this beautiful song of tradition.

Through the songs, I could feel the emotions of those before me.

Those lyrics that poured onto the page from heartbreaks that came before me. I could feel the sweet celebrations that took place before me.

This experience helped me reconnect with music and strengthen my bond with my heritage. I realized I would not have felt this same happiness if the program had not been initiated in the first place.

Music education has a place in schools, just as a representation of different cultures has its place as well.

Students need opportunities to discover the world of music in all its incredible forms.