I'M A TEACHER.

I want to answer the questions here. I makes me feel more important.

THE FIRST ONE IS NOT A QUESTION. I AM CONFUSED. But here goes!

2. I think optimism is something I developed in high school. Middle school and optimism just do not go hand in hand, but I was on the worse side of pessimism. I had two close friends throughout the time, and even they were started to get annoyed with me. So I just decided to start smiling. I know I personally liked being around happy people more, but I never made the connection that other people felt the same way. From then on the happy, bubbly person is just who I became and I've never looked back. I have no idea when I started caring about my appearance. I've been freaking out about how my hair looks for way too long.

3. I don't know if it ties into optimism or appearance, but Mr. Johnson was definitely the most influential teacher in my life. He made me feel included in the band and wouldn't let me quit. He pushed me out of my shell and into the drum major position and molded me into a leader. Thanks to him, I was a part of a group that I really felt like I belonged in and I became more outgoing. My love of high school band led me to do college band, and now I can't imagine life without it.

4. My memories of graduation are all a blur- and an anticlimactic blur at that. I walked across the stage, got my diploma, and found my family- all without coming close to shedding any tears. I wish it was more memorable, but I just never really liked my class as a whole. I saw myself as just another graduating senior, leaving no lasting marks on anything outside of the band room. I had just recently decided to attend UVA, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I felt nervous and unsure- like I was leaving my comfort zone of Manassas. That was a time of doubting myself. All I knew was that UVA would be tough and I was about to see if I could survive.

My views have certainly changed since then. I am no longer unsure. I belong at UVA and I love it here. I feel privileged to call myself a Cavalier. The transition from a high school band of 40 to a college band of 300 could not have been easier, and it really gave me a group of people I could form bonds with early on. I'm the quirky Harry Potter fanatic- a name I proudly hold. But of course I'm still searching for myself. First year is a time of trying to figure out who you want to become friends with, how you want to spend your time, and most importantly, what you want to major in. College gives you the independence necessary to think for yourself, and Charlottesville is definitely a prime location for some good soul-searching.


DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE? DO I NEED TO MAKE IT BETTER?