Graduation Speech : Marching Band

USC students are known to be involved. Briefly describe a non-academic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you. (250 word limit)

Throughout high school, marching band has been an integral part of my life and the values of handwork and leadership it has taught me, have shaped my work ethic in everything I do. At the end of my sophomore year with the graduation of the previous section leader, I was granted his important position, taking on a myriad of responsibilities. During a typical trumpet sectional, I run through several warm ups, check posture and form, and rehearse music, rigorously picking apart everything we play; I point out incorrect notes, poor tuning and other nuanced aspects of their playing.

I lead by example and try to to guide younger and inexperienced members to understand and absorb the hard working culture that this program prides itself on. I also teach the trumpets how to play their instruments and look better while doing so, lessons that cannot be taught by anyone other than a respectable and knowledgeable leader.

The sense of family in band creates individuals who are much more social and affable than when they first joined. This was definitely the case for me. As a freshman, I was very shy and reclusive but older members encouraged me to be social and now I am the one encouraging others. Today, many familiar scared freshmen with looks of timidity and curiosity comparable to my freshman self are joining band and I work hard to create the same environment which I was given and lead them to not only a successful marching band season, but a fulfilling life.

Describe your academic interests and how y...

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...and how others live. Whether it is going to a new foreign restaurant, studying history, or even just meeting an immigrant or someone with a unique cultural background, I constantly seek new experiences in a city with such a diverse populace to broaden my perspective on the world.

The schools I have gone to have also had an impact on my experience with different cultures. Specifically my high school, Palisades Charter High School, prides itself on having a diverse student population. My parents could have sent me to some private school with not very much diversity, but they wanted me to witness different cultures and sent me to a school where I could learn from direct experience about these new ideas. From a personal perspective, I am very grateful that my parents gave me this opportunity and my experiences in school has led to my love of learning about new cultures.