I hold the belief that everyone has an ordained path, however, not a predestined one. Similar to a hand of cards that someone is dealt in a card game, it is not about acquiring the best cards possible, but to thrive off of what you have. The hand you are dealt is something that is out of your control, but the way you play them is up to you. Some people take advantage of their opportunities to help propel them into a better position while others seem to bury their talents and not utilize what they are given. In the little time I have lived, I have learned from my parents that where I end up later in life is important, but not as important as the person I become along the way. I have also come to the understanding that maturing involves reflecting upon my choices, past and present. As Herman Hesse said, "It is not for me to judge another man's life. I must judge, I must choose, I must spurn, purely for myself. For myself, alone." Continually making myself aware of my actions has helped me to maintain an open mind when I face hardships in my life.
It is not an option for me to settle for mediocrity when I am passionate about something. When I was younger, I was evacuated from my house due to a landslide and forced to live in a hotel for a year. My life was thrown into chaos. In the midst of the madness, I had a choice to make: I could feel sorry for myself, or I could thrive off of what I still had. For me, that meant turning to my music. My music was my outlet. It was my safe haven where I could hone in on the black and white keys below, the music sheet above, and shut out the world around me. In all of the discord, I had control. I practiced for an upcoming recital, and I needed to perfect my skill. I strived to become better and worked day and night to become the best. Piano helped me realize that with focus and devotion to something I love, I could grow into the person I wanted to be.
