Sources of Identity

    I have been singing for as long as I can remember. It all started when I began taking voice lessons in the first grade. It's very unusual for someone to start that young, but I had a special case. In school, bad habit of being a singing during class. I used to sing all the time; while we were testing or even during a lesson. I would not even realize that I was doing it. During my parent-teacher conference my teacher told my mother that I was a good kid, but my singing was a huge disruption. That's when my teacher suggested singing lessons. Because of this, my Mom made a deal with me. If I controlled my singing during class, I could take voice lessons every Saturday. I took the deal and I have been with my voice teacher ever since. I feel the most confident and comfortable when I am singing. Some people think its funny that I would rather sing in front of a group of thousands than talk to small group. By singing I have learned more about myself and have become more confident over time. It also made my realize that I want to be a performer and voice teacher. Music and singing is and always will be a huge part of my life.

 In addition, the beach has also influenced my life. I have been going to the beach with my family since I was little girl. We go to Ocean City the last two weeks in August ever summer. This time is always very special to me. Its when I we all get to bond and really spend time with one another. We all have such busy schedules, so its really hard to spend time with each other at home. It's a great time where I get to tan and have fun, but most importantly, I get to spend time with my family with out any distractions. This time made me learn the importance of family, and it made me realize that I need to make more of an effort to take time out of my busy schedule during the year and make time for my family, especially my little sister Libby.

    My younger sister Libby also has had a huge impact on my identity. Even though she is 6 years younger than me, she is an important part of my life. My parents call Libby the fun child. I have always the been super uptight and responsible one, even when I was her age. I am the typical worry wart, and Libby does not have a care in the world. When I with her, she sometimes reminds me that I need to have more fun in life. She shows me that everything in life does not need to be taken so seriously. Even when I am having a really bad day, she tries to make me feel better and to look at the positive side.  She made me learn that everything is not always as bad as it seems.