Personal Narrative: Wind Ensemble

However, junior year of high school changed that: I was given the opportunity to take either AP Psychology, or AP European History. I felt that the obvious choice would be to take AP European History, since I’m European and therefore already had a solid foundation for succeeding in the class, but something inside me told me to take a blind leap of faith and choose AP Psychology instead. This choice proved to be one of the greatest decisions I have made in my life. Through this class, I emerged myself into the world of psychology and fell in love with it. I didn’t complete the assignments to get a good grade. I completed them because I cherished every minute of it, and I started applying the materials learned in class to real life

At the beginning of junior year, I had a difficult time with AP Biology. Even though I completed all the practice assignments, I did not do well on the first few lab write-ups and tests. The class was so hard for me that I contemplated dropping. I convinced myself to stay in the class and worked extensively with my teacher outside of class. I tried different studying techniques and methods and found the most effective one for me: pre-reading the textbook sections before my teacher introduced the concept. As this was the first course truly had difficulties with, I recognized that failures in life are inevitable. I embrace a new mindset now that incorporates these challenges into my personal growth. I now use each new obstacle as stepping stones

During my sophomore year, my director told me that I could try out for district band. I was nervous but worked immensely hard to try and make it. I’ve made it every year since then. I always encouraged my friends in band to try out since it was so much fun to meet all new people and play music with them. I was selected for all-state band my final year of high school, and everyone in my band was so proud of me.

Throughout my high school career I have been impacted greatly by the science courses I have taken. It was during my freshmen biology class that I discovered what I wanted truly wanted to study in college. I enjoyed every aspect of the course and developed an interest of pursuing further knowledge. I discovered my strengths and enjoyed challenging myself by continuing to take advanced science courses.

In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.

I don’t remember if it was my choice or my parents, but in 5th grade when we were given the choice to be in band, I was very anxious to start. We got to meet with Mrs. Jones and try a few different instruments before making a decision. My top three choices were percussion, trombone, and clarinet (only because my sister had played it). I tried the clarinet first and thought it was alright, but not my favorite. I tried the trombone next, and while it was difficult, I really wanted to keep trying. I also tried percussion- she just had me keep a beat on my leg- and I thought percussion may be difficult for me, but I still wanted to do it. In the end, Mrs. Jones decided I would be best fit for the clarinet, mostly because I could use my sisters and not have to buy a new instrument. I was happy with the choice, mostly because I was excited to be playing anything!

Throughout my life, I have been taken by music. However, it was not until my 8th grade year in middle school that I realized that I could be a musician for the rest of my life. Before that, music just seemed like something to keep me out of trouble. I wasn’t the best player at that time, and I still knew very little about it all. How could something like that ever support someone? Still, it was the only talent that I could find any success in, and it was still very enjoyable, so I wanted to still give it a shot.

Throughout many of the arduous AP courses I took in high school I was pushed to my limits, but I accomplished my goals through hard work. One example of this would be my AP United States History class. This class was one of the most difficult courses I had taken, mostly due to the sheer amount of information being presented and needed to be memorized. Even though the basics of U.S. history had been taught to me in one way shape or form every school year, there was brand new information on people and important dates. At first I struggled with the work load and text, but I eventually made it through and succeeded by diving

My AP Biology class was the hardest class I have ever taken and my traditional studying skills did not help. Not knowing how to study and not having time to study made it very difficult to keep up with the class. I had to think fast and I learned that the only way I remember certain concepts where by seeing them in action. I am a visual learner. Reading words and flashcards do not help me learn unless I actually see things happen. So I started taking notes on videos and I started doing better. I would have never come to this realization if I never did Students Run LA. Also I was not the only one in SRLA who was in AP Biology so we were able to learn together while running together. I am ready for any challenge that comes my way and any other surprises along the way. I will become a professional in my

I am an academic thrill seeker; I search out and thrive in fast-paced, high-octane learning experiences. In these situations, I am able to test and tweak my creative and critical thinking skills, fine-tuning my learning styles and methods. It was for this reason that I chose to pursue AP courses,

Ever since middle school I had been trying to snag a seat in this elite ensemble. The requirements were simple enough. However, being a clarinet player, the competition was stiff. Playing twelve memorized scales in less than two minutes, a prepared etude, and a single sight reading piece was all that stood between my goal and myself. I was fairly confident of my current skills and with the aid of a private teacher, I was certain that this would

When i was in eighth grade,teachers and students from my current high school came to visit my middle school to talk to me about the Anteater Academy. What this academy does is,it helps students prepare themselves to go to a four year university. They do this by having students challenge themselves by taking difficult honor and AP courses starting freshman year. I guess you can say that ever since i was in middle school i knew i wanted to go to college. Being in the academy for about 4 years now has been a challenging journey but, has made my pathway to college easier. This academy taught me how to be responsible,dedicated and confident. There was times where i felt the pressure of having so many AP classes in my schedule but i was surrounded

I’ve been playing music for a little over 6 years. – Since 6th grade to be exact. The very first time I ever even made a noise on the horn was when I had to choose the one I’d always play – meaning be stuck with. I was so excited to decide which instrument it would be. Out of all the instruments possible, I had always wanted to play the Tuba – even though it was larger than I was. In the end I had to choose the Euphonium, which I now am so grateful that I did because

To be accepted into this prestigious group of young musicians, I worked alone, with my peers, and with pedagogues to hone my musicianship. I spent around one hour every day practicing by myself. Mastering basics to the point of unconscious virtuosity, as well as working on arduous passages from group pieces and solos. Several times I had to remind myself that time can always be found to practice, even in the midst of having several essays due, soccer practice,

One of the academic subjects that have inspired me was my biomedical class. I have learned so many new things during my last years of high school. I’ve learned how to draw blood, perform CPR, learn how to dissect, and so many more things. I took this class because in the beginning I had a special interest in going into the medical field and my friends recommended me to take the class. At first, I do admit I showed little keen interest in the class, but as my love and my interest for the medical grew, I realized how important this class prepared for my future career.