I have spent much of my time dedicated to community service, teaching, and leading rehearsals and sectionals during and after school. Initially, I had no desire to teach, but the supportive community of people around me greatly encouraged me to take on the challenge and learn from it. Learning and making memories with my fellow classmates has not only been fun but also rewarding, especially to see their progress week by week. Having the opportunity to teach in a school setting has helped me develop my passion for music and has also assisted in honing my skills on the violin. Over the next four years, I plan to pursue a bachelor's in Violin Performance while taking prerequisite courses to prepare for admission into dental school following undergrad. After discovering my love for teaching violin these past two years, I hope to continue teaching by developing or collaborating with a nonprofit to benefit aspiring violinists who cannot afford instructional lessons. Volunteering will allow me to give back to my community while honing my skills as a musician.

1. After announcing his leave from the studio, my violin teacher casually added that he had already arranged for me to take over his position. It was a huge responsibility, and I had big shoes to fill. I was terrified and unprepared, but my teacher began teaching me how to teach, exchanging my violin lessons for intellectual discussion about pedagogy, uncooperative kids, and parents who forced their kids into violin! I took notes and paid attention but knew I did not want to teach. My first lesson was with a brand new student: a 4th grader whom I had to teach from scratch. She came in with an unplayable toy violin. I first tuned her violin and then began introducing her to the different strings and how pitch works on the instrument. Soon, I ran out of things to do with the unplayable violin and wasted much of the lesson in silence, panicking internally. Fortunately, I recalled my teacher's advice and began teaching and quizzing her on parts of the violin, saving myself from further embarrassment. The little girl left the studio and told her mom, "That was awkward!" And kids don't lie. To avoid this awkward situation again, I began documenting lesson plans and spent time brainstorming ways to optimize my time with my students. I kept this up, have been teaching for over two years, and have even doubled my total number of students. The 4th grader who knew nothing about violin on my first day can now fluently read music and is developing strong technique. Lessons have also been awkward-free; she asks questions and shares my eagerness to learn! I have worked with learners of all ages, from elementary to adulthood. Every lesson I get to teach is a unique opportunity for me to learn and grow as an educator, performer, and person. Since beginning this job, I have also gained an even stronger appreciation for all types of educators. I find myself sitting in school, awed at the abilities of my calculus and health science teachers! This teaching position has pushed me to evolve my character and perspective. Since becoming a teacher, I have become more of a learner. Being grandfathered into this position has helped motivate me to become an even stronger performer while also introducing me to a passion for teaching I never thought I would have. As a teacher and performer, pursuing higher education in music will allow me to truly discover the potential of my own abilities and inspire others to do the same. 2. As a Filipino-American, I have learned that family is not just a support system but is the cornerstone of our lives. Our culture places a strong emphasis on close family ties, and I have come to cherish the value of spending quality time with loved ones and offering support during both the good and challenging times. Through everything, my family remains to be my biggest supporters. Furthermore, being part of the Filipino American community has instilled a deep responsibility to give back and contribute positively. Whether volunteering, teaching, or simply being there for others, I find fulfillment in supporting and uplifting my community. My heritage has also taught me to appreciate the simple blessings in life. I am grateful for the strong sense of resilience, warmth, and hospitality deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. Embracing these values has allowed me to find contentment and joy in the little things and to approach life with optimism and gratitude. I am grateful and proud to be Filipino-American.

When I think of the perfect ability to express my gratitude and pay it forward, what comes to mind isn't a physical or material amount but experiences, opportunities, and learning. Especially throughout this year, I have learned that I would not be where I am today without the community of people around me. It is the people whom I am lucky to have encountered who have encouraged me to push myself into opportunities I would have never previously even imagined. My position as a violin teacher teaching students from 4th grade to adulthood has truly introduced me to this concept. I had the privilege of being mentored by my private violin teacher for the eight out of ten years I played the instrument. I was devastated when my teacher told me he would leave the studio. When he broke the news, he also casually mentioned he had already arranged for me to take over his job after his departure. I was terrified, unprepared, and didn't want to teach; however, being in an environment of people who believed in me, such as my family, friends, and teacher who entrusted me with the position, was the only thing that forced me to take on the challenge and not quit out of pure anxiety. After the first few awkward beginning lessons, I began creating lesson plans and learning from my mistakes. I never thought I could learn so much from elementary and middle schoolers eager to learn violin from a girl not so far from their age! Being grandfathered into this position has helped motivate me to become an even stronger performer while also helping me discover a passion for teaching I never thought I would have. I plan to pursue higher education in music to harness the ability to inspire as a performer and better my own skills for my future students. Although my teacher has entrusted me with such a rewarding commitment, I must acknowledge the support of my parents, who have laid the foundation for this fateful magnet of opportunity I have been fortunate to attract. Not only did they motivate me to practice my violin at a young age and now to take on the position as an educator, but they have supported me every step of the way. My parents have always offered unwavering support, even without specific or unordinary actions. They have made things so easy for me. My parents would have never let me know that I come from a single-income family whose immigrant mother works tirelessly in the busiest hospitals. They would have never turned down any opportunity of mine at any cost. I was lucky not to have known in this aspect. But now that I do, I have never felt so privileged for all that I have. Whenever my father does the most simple act of kindness, whether driving me somewhere five minutes away or giving me his last frozen burrito from his stash, he says, "You better remember this when I'm in my old age!" And I will. I promise to repay my parents' love by giving back, making them proud through success in my career while performing simple acts of kindness in their honor--those of which I have learned from them.