A person in public life who I respect very highly is my best friend, advocate, and sister, Mahana Pierre. I have known Mahana since August of 2002 when I was a freshman in the Marching "100" band. At first, we didn't get along, but as time passed I really got to know her. However, it wasn't until the following year that I developed a level of respect for Mahana. And even though friends don't always see eye to eye, to this day, we are still very close.
As I arrived in Tallahassee, during August of 200 for Marching "100" pre-drill, I immediately heard of this very talented individual named Mahana Pierre. It seemed like everyone knew her. They even spoke highly of her. At first, I was a little intimidated. Coming from Savannah High School in Savannah, Georgia and being a leader in everything I was involved in, automatically made me think I was going to run things within my freshman class. However, standing in the music hall, I realized it was going to be a tight race. .
As I stood outside of Dr. Wallace Clarks office door, I heard an awesome, rhythmic, beautiful, and supreme sound. Never before had I heard anything like it. I was good on my Clarinet, but what I heard at that very moment was pure musical excellence. When the door opened, out walked a girl! I was dumbfounded. I could not understand why or how she played with such emotion and fervor. Then, she walked up towards me and introduced herself. At first, I was shy, but then my competitive side took over, and that's when the challenge began. It turns out that we were both good leaders, and I hated it. Nevertheless, as I got to know her, I realized we were both good at different things, and we were both fit for the title of "Freshman Section Leader." .
Mahana and I became inseparable. Where one was, the other wasn't far behind. WE even decided that we would become roommates the upcoming fall, and it was then when I noticed Mahana was truly an awe inspiring person.