Music has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, my mom often blasted Christian music, classical melodies, or (her personal favorite) Michael Jackson. We sang in the house, in the car, at church and school and she encouraged us to play instruments, leading me to learn both piano and clarinet.
There were times we even turned ordinary moments into songs— little jingles about going home or caffeine-free soda. These moments helped shaped me into who I am. They taught me that music isn’t reserved for stages or spotlights, it lives in the everyday giving meaning to even the smallest experiences.
As I grew, so did my curiosity. I found pieces of myself in every genre I encountered — indie, rock, Broadway, gospel, and R&B. Each genre adding a new color to my voice. Today, my music carries those layers: playful, reflective, soulful, and rooted in faith.
Now, as a teacher and worship leader, I get to see music’s impact unfold in real time. I watch my students find confidence in their voices. I witness rooms full of people with different backgrounds and different stories become united through a single song.
Music has shown me that we are more alike than we think. It gives voice to our feelings of love, joy, grief, and hope. And in those shared moments, it reminds us that we are not alone—and that maybe, while rooted in our humanity, we can work together to build a better world.
