Academic

Music was THE academic subject that inspired me, it allowed me freedom of expression unlike anything else. I grew up in a Chinese household and staying by that culture, it is the dream of every parent for their children to play an instrument, specifically the piano. It would bring honor to the family and be the ultimate bragging right to their friends. In the beginning, I had no interest in music, I just took it as a class to get by. I thought music was stupid, and man, I was wrong. My music teacher, Mr. Dumlao, saw something inside of me and encouraged me to give it a try, so I did. I played some keys on the piano and was like "oh shit, this is fire." I then went on youtube, and wanted to learn the beginner version of a famous song, Fur Elise. Every day, I would get better and better, falling in love with this art. I would practice whenever free time was presented. After getting the first part right, I felt an exaltation akin to one's first love. My emotions were now engaged, allowing me to learn tenaciously. Deciding that learning at school wasn't enough, I purchased a piano to play at home. I sought out other songs such as turkish march and river flows in you. I would incorporate the piano in my morning routine, playing an hour each day. My parents were shocked that I was taking up this out of my own volition, as they had known me to be a shut-in, having only known video games and anime. My dad was proud, a sight to be seen. Whenever I would practice, he would come with his phone and praise me, facetiming relatives and showing what his son was doing. Through this consistency, I learned fur elise and decided to move on to turkish march. (I'm still a novice) Now, whenever I go in public and see a piano, I seize the opportunity and play a few songs, bringing joy to people and families strolling through. Life is beautiful.