Music is My Passion for Education by Jayden

Music is My Passion for Education by Jayden - July 2019 Scholarship Essay

While most people dream of college from a young age, it was not something that I saw in my future as a child. Growing up without much money or even a stable household, getting to school and seeing my family together again were my top priorities. However, the challenges and hardships of my childhood have undeniably shaped me into the man that I am today. Looking back on my experiences, they now motivate me to educate and to better myself so that I can provide my future family with all the things that I lacked growing up. My passion for people and for music continues to push me to strive for success in everything that I do, and with the help of this scholarship I will be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a music educator.
Growing up with an absentee father and a mother in rehab, me and my siblings were faced with constant struggles. My mother struggled with drug addiction for a long time during my childhood. while she always loved us and tried her best to take care of us, we were often left to fend for ourselves. The day that I looked out the window and saw my mother being taken away in the back of a police car has been forever etched into my mind. I was raised by my grandparents, and my siblings and I were separated as a result of everything that happened. These events defined me and made me feel defeated for a long time. In many ways, I felt trapped by my situation and I had no idea how to make it better. However, as I grew older, I began to realize that there was an opportunity to rise above everything that had happened to me. That opportunity was school. I knew that by getting an education and going to college, I would be able to pave a road for myself that would allow me to ensure a better future for me and my family.
I attended South Grand Prairie High School where I was a part of the band. This was such an amazing opportunity for me, as it allowed me to express myself and to learn a lot about being a leader. My directors were like parents to me, always pushing me to be the best version of myself in and out of the classroom. Without them, I honestly don’t know where I would have ended up. Our relationship has really driven me to become like them one day. My passion for music manifested itself fully when I decided that I wanted to continue studying it in college.
Eventually, I decided to continue my education at Texas Christian University. One of the premiere music schools in Texas, I never dreamed that I would attend such a prestigious institution. Despite the price tag, I couldn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had heard from many that an education from TCU would be amazing for my future career, and that many wonderful directors from around the area had studied there as well. It felt like home, and I was still close to my family, so I knew that it was the best choice for me. While it hasn’t been easy in any way, my time at TCU has really helped to shape my beliefs and I have learned so much in and out of the classroom. While I still have three years to go, I can’t help but think about my life after college as well. I plan to become an assistant band director while I continue on to obtain a master's degree. Through my practice and studies, I hope to be the best teacher that I can be no matter what it takes. The inspiration that my teachers have provided me has been invaluable, and it continues to drive me to this day. Once I become a band director, I will strive everyday to create an environment for personal and intellectual growth for all of my students. Music has made such a strong impact upon me that I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I believe that my education will allow me to make the same impression upon a younger generation that my mentors made on me, and I will be able to cultivate passion in my students as well.
Growing up without much money has taught me a lot about what it means to work hard and to make sacrifices for the people that you love. Despite my Mother’s past, she has turned her life completely around for my brothers, sister, and I. She worked incredibly hard to get clean by attending rehab, and she then went to school to become a medical assistant in order to support our family. All of this has taught me the importance of family, and how having dedication and perseverance gives you the power to take control of any situation. By continuing my education, I hope to honor all of the sacrifices that my family has made to get me where I am today. I want to make them proud by following my dreams and by being as successful as I can be. After everything that has been done for me, I believe that it is my turn to give back to my family and the community, and this scholarship would be immensely helpful in allowing me to follow my dream.