Personal Statement
and Goals

Performing a song can be a very fun thing— except when you don't know the song. My first piano recital at seven years old turned out like this. I had practiced a little

here and there and had honestly thought I was ready. Turns out, I only knew the song partially. However, as my teacher had taught me,  “keep going and don't stop.” Starting the song I was confident and was ready to face the world, like most little kids are. Almost to the end and I had messed up, but kept pushing through. Dread and sadness filled me up. When I turned around to leave, everyone was clapping. To my surprise people had

liked my performance. They hadn't cared about the one little mistake.

When I asked my teacher about it later she told me that mistakes are what make us better. If we want to avoid mistakes we practice and try again. Mistakes are what make us human and make us even better ones. I've kept that thought with me throughout my piano years but also with my schooling. Mistakes are learning techniques and my piano lessons have taught me that. When my next recital came around I had practiced and practiced for hours upon hours. Every day after school I practiced. I made sure that I was ready for that recital. The day of the performance I was so nervous but so excited. I was confident in my work and ready for it.

This time it was a bit bigger at a nursing home so we had more people but it was so fun. I remember sitting down and when I played it was an amazing feeling. It felt like I was the only person in the world and my song was the only thing playing. I played well and was really proud of my work. When we were walking out I realized how I was able to achieve this. I was able to do this because I had my teachers' help and support but also my families’. 

My family is what got me started on piano as well. My great-grandmother gave me her piano for me to play on. I played for her and I still play for her. She is no longer with us but every time I sit at the piano I think of her.

All those the times I practiced I had my parents sitting on the couch listening and encouraging me.

Through many years of hard work it will always be my reason why I play. When you love something like I love piano, you find ways to do what you love. When you fine- tune something small it can grow into something beautiful. A piece of advice I got from my teacher is if you're nervous, put that nervousness into your work. I work hard for the results I’ve earned and know that dedication and time pay off. I’ve learned that every effort gets you closer to your goals. When you fine- tune something small it can grow into something beautiful.  I'm someone that's had to work hard for what they want. I had to put time and dedication into something that I wanted. I get the result I want because of the work I do. Sometimes you may not know the song but you may know the notes and that’s a start.