To this day, one of my most terrifying experiences was the transition from middle school to high

school. As a young teen no stress is more built up than the anxiety of beginning that ascent.
Going through those doors really put one thing into perspective; the movies taught me nothing.
Singing and randomly dancing in the halls wouldn’t form friendships like in the Disney Movies. I
was truly terrified, unsure if I could survive the unfamiliar zoo-like halls of my high school.
Leading into third period, the stress was beginning to overwhelm me. Then, I was there, in the
band room. It would become my unexpected sanctuary in the upcoming days. When I walked in,
I saw my other classmates, all petrified and mortified . Once the final bell rang, our band director
looked at all of us in the quiet yet very tense band room. He then told us an anecdote about his
own first day of high school and how terrified he was. He didn’t let his past fears bring him
down. His comforting dialogue when telling us about his own shortcomings lifted the weight of
this event off of our shoulders. After that class, and plenty of laughs, I truly felt like I was ready
to move on throughout the day. I honestly do not know how the day would’ve gone if I hadn’t
had that pep talk. In the weeks moving forward, band practice began. Sadly, the stress
immediately reentered my body. I was scared of how others would judge me if they knew I was
in band. When asked about extracurriculars in class I wouldn’t say anything out of fear of being
mocked and ridiculed for being in a band. Our band director knew of the stigma our band
received but he didn’t let it bring him down. He instead empowered us and told us to have pride.
Performing halftime every Friday night during 9th grade was extremely stressful. It’s a lot of
pressure and the nerves come out in many ways. Pushing past my own fears, with the help of
older band mates, I slowly but surely built myself as an individual. As the days went on, and the
practices got longer, I grew both physically and mentally. I became better at my instrument, and
I got to indulge in the rich community around me. Before I knew it, I had confidence in myself. I
didn’t care about what others thought. I did what I did because I enjoyed it. I am currently
section leader of my school’s trombone section and I am one of the most respected members of
the band. My path wasn’t easy but for what it’s done for me, I’ll always be thankful. Walking into
the band room that day helped form me into the man I am today.