"If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose."

"Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you're passionate about something, then you're more willing to take risks."

"Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights your way."

          P is for passionate. I'm passionate about many things; music, baking, and babysitting. Music is my biggest passion.

          Band was a way for me to get close to my passion for music. Both my brother and sister were in band. My brother played trumpet and my sister was a percussionist. Music and band were always a part of my life.

          Music was a comfort zone for me. No matter where I was as long as I had music, I was safe. When I was upset, stressed, and just needed to be alone, I listened to music until I was ready for people again.

          Band amplified my comfort. I was able to make music and take it with me even if I didn't have power. The band room was a place for me to hide and calm down in my worst times. I felt so at home when in the band room or playing music.

          The people I met in band were so kind that it was easy for me to make friends. I'm not extremely social, but band kids like to stick together. Gifted kids and band kids are much alike but different. Band kids focus on music, where gifted kids focus on academics. Then, both groups are weird in a good sense. I presume that because I have had family in both groups that it made it easier for me to socialize within them.

          In my three years in band, I have learned a lot. Mostly that band kids are nice to others. They don't let their feelings take over and remain calm unless it comes to their instruments. Band kids enjoy the challenge of trying to learn something new with only a few hours of practice then putting on a performance. It's amazing what they can do once they put their all into it.

           I couldn't be happier being in gifted and band. These two groups are amazing in their own ways, and one could only hope to be in both at the same time. It is truly an honor.