No Regrets: A Life of Music, Risk, and Purpose by Casey

No Regrets: A Life of Music, Risk, and Purpose by Casey - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

I once heard about a question posed to the elderly: “What is your biggest regret in life?” I expected answers related to hurting loved ones or failed relationships. But the most common response was not taking more risks. I’ve also heard it put another way—you often regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did. I refuse to let that be my story.

Ten years from now, I expect to be traveling the world with my soon-to-be wife, who has been—and continues to be—kind, gentle, patient, and loving. We will use our musical gifts to soothe, entertain, teach, and, most importantly, touch the hearts of those we encounter. Having had the humbling opportunity to visit 40 countries as an audio engineer for a gospel reggae band, I’ve seen firsthand that the possibilities are endless—and not so far out of reach.

I’ve witnessed how music transcends culture and language, serving as a bridge between people. Whether visiting men in an African prison or helping clothe and feed children in the Solomon Islands, it was music that facilitated those relationships, breaking down barriers and fostering connection.

Though I am no longer traveling with this group, I aspire to dig deeper into my musical gifts and use them in my own way to change lives for the better. Attending a top-tier university like Belmont will allow me to be taught and critiqued by incredibly gifted faculty while being challenged daily by the immense talent surrounding me.

This environment will provide a structured approach to learning, rapidly growing my skills and abilities as a musician. In turn, it will make me a better collaborator and communicator—helping me write and produce quality content more efficiently. Additionally, Belmont will give me access to an unparalleled wealth of resources and a vast network of industry professionals—one of the most valuable assets I could have.

In short, ten years from now, I expect to be traveling the world with the woman I love, doing what we love, for the people we love—which is everyone. Attending Belmont University will equip me with the practical skills and personal connections I need to make that vision a reality.