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.