Having Asperger's Syndrome, I have struggled with various mental health issues throughout my life, mainly with social aspects. Often, communication problems have made me feel isolated and misunderstood, and that is mentally and emotionally draining. I also have strong difficulties with stuttering, adding another layer to the problem when I try to speak out. These struggles have made me feel very awkward in social situations, often creating anxiety and fear of judgment from others. However, over the years, I’ve worked hard to overcome these obstacles in ways that are meaningful and personal to me. One of the ways I’ve managed my mental health challenges is through music composition. Composing has been a therapeutic outlet for me—a way to express myself when words fail. I use music to express my feelings and thoughts in a way that skips the problems I have with words. This has not only helped me in getting more control over my emotions but also has given me a sense of satisfaction and pride. It has been one of the most important parts of my learning to cope with my day-to-day struggles. I have also been seeing professionals to help me with my condition, Asperger's Syndrome, and improve my social skills. Therapy has been an important step in learning to manage anxiety and self-doubt that often accompany social interactions. I have been able to learn strategies to minimize my stuttering and to communicate effectively, such as speaking slowly and deliberately, along with breathing exercises. Although these techniques have not completely removed my struggles, they have made it easier for me to navigate conversations and feel more confident when speaking with others. Despite these, I truly know that the process of overcoming mental health challenges is lifelong. There are days when the weight of social anxiety and difficulties in communication become so strong that I hardly want to speak to anyone or express my thoughts at all. But I have learned that progress is not linear; sometimes, the tiniest triumphs, like making a new acquaintance or successfully communicating my point of view, are the moments that count the most. I am committed to supporting people who face similar challenges in life, especially those who struggle with the same issues of social interaction and communication as I do. I want to use my experiences to promote awareness of the special difficulties encountered by people with Asperger's Syndrome and other neurodiverse conditions. I have found solace and strength in music, and I believe the arts can be a powerful tool for expression and understanding. I hope to encourage others to embrace their creative outlets as a means of healing and self-expression. Additionally, I want to create a more open dialogue around mental health and communication struggles. By sharing my experiences, I want to reduce the stigma that surrounds these issues and create a more supportive environment for people who feel alone or misunderstood. I would like to further create support systems within schools and communities where one is safe and free to communicate, without fear of judgment. Ultimately, I want to show others that it is okay to struggle and that seeking help or using creative outlets to cope is not only valid but valuable. I want to help foster a community where individuals are empowered to embrace their differences and find strength in their unique abilities.

I am deeply immersed in the world of music composition, an area of the performing arts where I express my creativity and emotions through sound. I have been studying my craft for many years, starting with piano and clarinet as a child and eventually moving into composition, a field that allows me to blend my love for classical music with modern genres like EDM. While my formal education in music began early, I have been refining my composition skills for over a decade, with a more focused academic approach since I started my Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition at the University of West Georgia. Under the tutelage of Christopher Mothersole, I delved deeper and continued to develop my art with the hope of creating powerful, emotive music that speaks to all manner of persons. Music has been more than just a hobby for me since I was little-it's been a manner of expression and a way to make sense of the world. Growing up, I had the opportunity to develop a love for a number of musical genres and learn multiple instruments. This gave me a broad view of what music can offer, from the structured beauty of classical pieces to the rhythmic intensity of electronic beats. It was during these experiences that I knew I wanted to be a composer and write original pieces that could inspire people as the pieces that moved me did. Throughout my entire musical journey, I have grown to compose 50 pieces: orchestral works, electronic compositions-each a part of my evolving artistic identity. I have been fortunate enough to participate in several competitions throughout my studies, such as winning the CSO Young Composers Competition in high school and receiving recognition in the United Composers Collective Magic Album 2023. These achievements not only legitimized my passion for composition but also challenged me to push beyond my comfort zones and to think outside the box. I have also reached the finals in the National Young Composers Challenge in 2021 and 2022, experiences which even further honed my skills and ultimately built up a sense of confidence in pursuing music as my lifelong career. My long-term goals now are to make a lasting impact in the world of music composition. One of my biggest dreams is to have my music performed by world-class orchestras, such as the London Philharmonic, and to compose for film, theater, and other mediums where music plays a crucial role in storytelling. I’d also love to compose for pit orchestras, adding to the theatrical experience of live performances. With continued study and growth as a composer, I hope to continue pushing the boundaries of classical and contemporary music, combining genres in ways that move listeners emotionally and challenge traditional notions of what music can be. My ultimate aim is to create music that touches people's hearts, whether they are sitting in a concert hall, in their homes, or in a movie theater. Music has the power to connect us, to stir emotions, and to tell stories that transcend words-and that, to me, is essentially why I continue to pursue my craft. I want my music to be not only heard but felt-so that it leaves a mark on this world, one that will last far beyond after the last note has faded.

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's *"Pretty Isn't Pretty"* which really resonates with me is: " Cause pretty isn't pretty enough anymore." This line captures a painful reality that I have struggled with all through my adolescence, that of never being good enough to meet the expectations of everyone, even in a world that is very concerned about appearances. As an overweight man, I felt that I was never good enough to live up to these ideals, and that had me questioning my self-worth during my formative years. Adolescence is the stage when identity and self-perception are most vulnerable. Personally, it was a constant tug-of-war during this phase of my life between who I was and who I felt expected to be. The lyric reveals the feeling one endures when, no matter how much one works at changing themselves, it is not good enough to satisfy society's ever-changing and often contradictory expectations. It's a vicious circle that is exhausting and isolating, especially when one's body doesn't fit into the narrow mold of what's considered "acceptable" or "desirable." This pressure isn't exclusive to women, though their struggles are often more openly discussed. In their own ways, men also feel rigid beauty standards. I think of how I was socialized through images of muscular, athletic men that defined masculinity to the world, and not fitting that mold often made me feel invisible or judged through high school and college locker rooms, at parties, and even casual conversations. *"Pretty Isn't Pretty"* captures that universal longing to be accepted for who you are, while also highlighting frustration at the feeling that acceptance requires one to become someone else. What really makes adolescence so difficult is that this is not only a battle that occurs outside oneself, but also within. The more you hear these messages, the more you tend to internalize them. I started to doubt my own worth and question whether my worth was based solely on my appearance. This self-doubt took a toll on my confidence, my social interactions, and even my ability to pursue things I was passionate about. There were times when I let these insecurities hold me back, fearing judgment or rejection before even giving myself a chance. But what makes *"Pretty Isn't Pretty"* such a powerful song is that it doesn't just expose the problem—it validates the feelings of those who struggle with it, too. Olivia Rodrigo's lyrics are raw and relatable, reminding me well that these pressures are systemic and not a reflection of personal failure. That realization has been freeing for me. It has helped me realize that self-worth is not about fitting into someone else's definition of "pretty" or "good enough." It's about learning to love yourself, all blemishes and bruises, and finding worth in what you bring to the table that nobody else can. I can see now, in retrospect, that my teens were challenging times, but it also made me tough. Songs like *"Pretty Isn't Pretty"* remind me I wasn't alone-and there's something to be said for sharing our stories and defining beauty on our own terms.

My name is Tyson, and I am a composer and musician with an eager passion for creating and sharing music. I am currently attending the University of West Georgia for a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition under Christopher Mothersole. My musical beginnings started early in my life, and over time it developed into a lifelong journey to project emotion and creativity through sound. I have two major instruments I play, which have always accompanied me throughout my large and grand musical arena: piano and clarinet. Beyond performance, my heart lies in composing, where I get to combine my love for classical traditions and modern genres like EDM into unique works that speak to others. Having been at it for many years, it has also let me be able to attain milestones, reinforcing the notion of belief in music's power. In high school, I won the CSO Young Composers Competition and placed as a finalist in the National Young Composers Challenge two years in a row. More recently, I came in 2nd place for the United Composers Collective Magic Album 2023. These experiences helped me not only hone my skill but also deepen my appreciation for the collaborative and transformative natures of music. One of my biggest dreams is to hear my compositions being played by the London Philharmonic or to be able to play in a pit orchestra, adding to the magic of a live performance. Art and music are very important aspects of society, serving as universal languages that transcend cultural, geographical, and even temporal barriers. At the core, they are manifestations of what it is to be human-complex, emotional, and connected to everything that surrounds us. Music is specially endowed with the ability to portray and express emotions, which often words cannot express. Be it the joy of a wedding march, the solemnity of a requiem, or the catharsis of a pop anthem, music is the voice of our inner lives and ways to process experiences. On a social level, art and music create community and shared identity among people. They bring them together in joy, reflection, and solidarity. Think of the collective voice of a national anthem, the shared euphoria of concert, or how a film score raises the emotional pitch of the narrative. These moments remind us of our shared humanity and of our capacity for empathy. At a time when the world is increasingly polarized, art and music can help reach across divides, prompt important discussions, and foster greater understanding. As an individual with Asperger's syndrome, it allows me to communicate when words just don't cut it anymore. It taught me discipline, resilience, and how it feels to have something of true worth. Through music, I have been allowed to channel my thoughts and emotions into compositions that hopefully resonate and add something positive to the world. More and more, as we find our place within this digital society that moves at a tremendous pace, the role of art and music becomes very important. They offer moments of stillness, reflection, and inspiration in a world so overwhelming. Music helps us remember our past, dream about our future, and find beauty in the present moment. Whether it’s a classical symphony, an electronic beat, or a heartfelt ballad, every note has the potential to change someone’s day—or even their life. My ultimate goal as a composer is to create music that moves people, whether it's performed in a grand concert hall or streamed in someone's bedroom. I believe art and music have the power to make the world a better place, one melody at a time.

This personal incarceration of my parents has deeply engrained itself into my life, affecting me in ways that have changed my outlook, my goals, and my approach to resilience. Parental imprisonment often presents difficulties emotionally, mentally, and even socially. Stereotyping from their absence often left me feeling isolated, and I've faced moments of embarrassment and anger when others didn't understand what it's like to have an incarcerated loved one. This process also taught me to be very resilient and independent; thus, even this made me determined to follow the other path. One of the biggest things I took away from this situation is to make conscious choices and not be alone. I do know that most of the decisions I make at any point in my life could have lifetime effects; therefore, the need to surround myself with positivity and a lot of influential mentors who will guide me through in making such decisions toward achieving my goals in life. My main focus has been education, and I am committed to pursuing a career path that offers stability and allows me to give back to the community. I feel that if I channel my energy toward growth and education, it may help me not make the same mistakes that got my parent incarcerated in the first place. Taking good care of myself has been what I have tried to focus on to cope with all the emotions this experience has had on me. Journaling has become my outlet-a safe space where I can express my feelings, truly, because writing helps me process emotions I so often feel reluctant to share openly. I also try to make it a point to go to the gym regularly; this keeps me anchored and helps me deal with my stress. Finding a good balance between school, work, and personal time has been of utmost importance in keeping my mind and body healthy. I have a few close friends who know my story and are always accepting. These people have become my selected family, in effect, providing a kind of support that's just immeasurable. This has been an opportunity to look at the justice system through the other lens, which promotes more contemplation on my future directions to demand change and awareness. I understand the dynamics of choice and resiliency, and I am dedicated to making a life where I can break the chain of incarceration that has already occurred within my family. I'm creating a foundation that has and will permit me to flourish through education, mindfulness in making choices, and taking care of myself. My parent's incarceration perhaps sculpted my journey, but it does not define my destiny. I have leveraged this into an experience that makes me stronger, more empathetic, and more determined in my aspirations towards a life of integrity and meaning.

If my year had a soundtrack, I would repeat *1989* by Taylor's Version, songs like *"Clean," "Out of the Woods,"* and *"You Are in Love"* are basically the year in summary for me, because Taylor Swift always catches so much within her music, and her lyricism makes these tracks feel both personal and universal all at once. Honestly, Taylor has this unmatching ability with words; she makes articulateness of vulnerability, strength, and growth into the lyrics and music hers. That is what keeps her different from any other artist, even talented ones like Selena Gomez. Taylor's songs are the epitome of thoughtfulness consistently, and her storytelling takes every song to an even greater level. 1. **"Clean"**- Well, this has been my mainstay for moments of introspection and change. It's about releasing something that no longer serves you and finding clarity after a time of struggle. For me, *"Clean"* has come to represent the renewal I've been working toward this year, learning to let go of those habits and mindsets that no longer serve me. It's a resilient song, and with each listen, I'm reminded how powerful it can be moving forward. 2. **"Out of the Woods"**- This song is for anyone that has ever been in a place of doubtful feelings and being in situations with uncertainty in the air. It captures that essence of being on the edge but trying to make it, not knowing what's coming next. My year has been one of those times when every other minute I go, "Are we out of the woods yet?", and this song just reverberates the feeling of making it through it all. Yeah, that's just one of those reminders that it gets really, really uncomfortable to grow, and sometimes you just have to trust the process-even when it feels messy. 3. **"You Are in Love"**: This is just such a stunning track full of thanks and connection. It has really resonated with the relationships that have supported me this year, reminding me of those real quiet moments when love is deeply felt but not always expressed out loud. *"You Are in Love"* captures that warmth and security so nicely, reminding me of those in my life who make everything a little brighter. These *1989* songs are reflective of a year typified by growth, resilience, and appreciation for those people who make life worth living. The power in Taylor's music comes from the fact that it takes everyday emotions and turns them into unforgettable anthems; every track has something that strikes a chord deeper than some catchy melody. It is her music that speaks volumes for her and differentiates her from other aspiring artists, like Selena Gomez, who did nice songs at best but didn't tap into this level of introspection and storytelling. That's where Taylor's artistry shines, and this album has indeed been the soundtrack to my journey of self-discovery, connection, and moving forward.

My top three Billie Eilish songs are *"everything i wanted," "when the party's over,"* and *"idontwannabeyouanymore."* Each has something special that resonates with me for different reasons, but they all carry this hauntingly introspective quality that is so comforting yet evocative of thought simultaneously. 1. **"everything i wanted"-This song hits on such a vulnerable level. It's grasping onto self-doubt and insecurity, then balancing that with the idea of loyalty and support, as Billie does with her brother Finneas. I find that connection deeply touching, and this struggle between inner turmoil and reassuring others externally is great to hear. It just makes me feel less alone in trying to work out my own self-worth amid expectations. 2. **"when the party's over"-** It is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the quiet ache of loneliness and introspection with its stripped-back production and raw emotional delivery. For me, it's the perfect soundtrack to those moments when you're feeling distant from others or reflecting on difficult emotions. The melancholy in this song feels like a safe space for those feelings, and it has this way of validating sadness in a way that's almost healing. 3. **"idontwannabeyouanymore"-**This song is extremely relatable, most especially when one has been through some struggle to accept oneself. Billie's lyrics here are candid and brutal, to that inner speech where we are our own worst critics. The vulnerability in her words is that potent because it speaks directly to that part of us that feels imperfect. It's a song about self-reflection, reminding me to be kind to myself even when I struggle to feel that kindness fully. These songs don't resonate with me just because of the lyrics or melodies, but because they touch upon universal themes that hit so close to home: self-worth, isolation, and acceptance. There's something to Billie's music that can make those hard-to-conjure emotions feel seen and understood.

Music has always been something more than a passion; it's been my anchor, my expression, my connection to the world. Having Asperger's syndrome has meant that, at times, I see and interact with the world in ways that are unique, sometimes with music being that profound bridge between my inner thoughts and the external world. Music has allowed me to convey emotions and ideas that are ill-conveyed through words. My perfect pitch heightened this connection to an intensity with which the words themselves could not quite get across. To me, it would appear that music is as natural as breathing itself, and it has fueled in me the urge to make a lasting impact by going for a performance degree. Composition has been a challenging yet rewarding journey; it has helped me grow in many unforeseen ways. I have composed a total of 50 pieces, each communicating different aspects of my experience, and *The Diary of a Young Girl* probably is my longest composition and quite personal in the way it narrates a story about resilience, discovery, and hope. Writing this piece gave me the opportunity to express feelings that are often difficult to say out loud and to connect with others who perhaps felt similarly. My winning composition in the CSO Young Composers Competition and my receipt of the JS Bach scholarship while in high school proved to be catalyzing experiences solidifying my intentions on a professional career in music. The successes were personal, but a confirmation that music is my calling and that I do have something to give people. As I pursue a career in performance, I commit myself to passing on my love of music to others. It is my hope that my work inspires, connects, and encourages others in finding their voice through music, be they an experienced musician or merely a listener in search of something to which they can relate. I could see myself working within the community, providing workshops, possibly teaching, but all for the purpose of assisting others in finding that healing and expressive capability of music. It is my objective to leverage this distinctive vantage point not only as a person but also because I have Asperger's, to be able to showcase how the variances in experiences and interpretations of the world are actually strengths and not limitations towards creative expression. The journey so far has taught me that limitations at times-the social and sensory constraints imposed by Asperger's-can be a source of power. All of these challenges have taught me resilience and provided me with insights to impart to any audience and students alike. I hope to inspire others who perhaps feel limited by their circumstances to lean into those differences as strengths, find confidence in their unique voices, and use creativity as a method of connection. Within this fast-moving and overwhelming world, music is the only arena that makes us step back, reflect, and connect with each other. As I approach the end of my degree in performance, I look forward to the opportunity to share my music and story with others-to share with them how art is not about perfect technique or experiences shared by all, but rather about the beauty in diversity and the expression of anything words simply cannot say. I want to make others proud through my music, proud to be themselves, finding their own forms of expression in a way that feels true to them.

I literally just *love* Chappell Roan. Her music has this insane ability to make everything feel like a movie scene, no matter what I'm doing. Whether it be sitting at home building worlds in Minecraft, managing families in The Sims, driving to work, or working a shift-she's always there, creating a sort of soundtrack that makes it all a little bit more special. Amazing how she does; it's like her music makes mundane activities just rise. There is something in her voice and the words that sound so personal, yet powerful. Some of my favorite songs are "Pink Pony Club" and "Naked in Manhattan". Those songs have really deep meanings on self-acceptance, freedom, and just celebrating being oneself. There's a vulnerability to her music that's mixed with such fierce joy and confidence; it's as if she's speaking directly to listeners who are figuring things out for themselves. Her music empowers and is fun, yet still has that layer of emotional depth that keeps me going back to her time and time again. One of the many reasons I wholeheartedly support Chappell Roan's career is because she is so genuine as an artist. She carves her path in a different direction than most industries that force their artists to follow in the wake of somebody else's dream. This is an authenticity that seldom exists, and it is fresh to see someone so committed to sharing their real self with the world. Chappell is not just another pop singer; she's an artist who gives her all to the music. When I tune in to her, I feel I am going through her story, her struggles, her victories, and that is something to which I give due respect. Supporting her feels like cheering on a friend. It's so beautiful to watch her career grow and to see the roots she manages to keep, but most of all to think she creates room for people like me to be a little braver, a little more ourselves. Her music became such a core part of my life, and it is not just background noise; it is there in the happy moments, in the uncertain ones, and everywhere in between. It's not about the words or the rhythm, but making a statement through the music-that life needs to be embraced and that one has to be brave enough to be themselves. And for that, I will always be looking out for Chappell Roan.

I see a man who is currently one of the top composers in the United States who scored over a hundred movies and has written a ton of pieces for orchestras and concert bands.