Inspired by the original This I Believe series, my very own personal manifesto:
"Life is a parade; you can either be a part of it or watch it go by."
When I was assigned to compose a
"This I Believe" essay, I was very hesitant. This project wasn't just
about me rattling off my religious or political affiliation, or listing the
activist and community service groups I rallied behind. This essay, in a sense,
would become my formal philosophy to the world, and I took it very seriously. I
thought about what I could possibly say; how I could make it personal but have
it also relate to and be useful in other people's lives. Memories from high
school came rushing back to me, and a magical sentence formed my mind: Life is
like a parade; you can either be a part of it or watch it go by. Initially I
had been surprised that I could come up with a message holding so much meaning.
My first
year in high school, as I have said numerous times before, just plain sucked. I
did nothing; I went to school, came home and did homework, went to bed and
started the whole thing over again. Fortunately, the rest of my high school
career didn't follow this same dull pattern. My sophomore year a friend of mine
convinced me to join the high school's marching band, and that was most
definitely one of the best decisions in my entire life.
Marching band has brought me once in a lifetime opportunities. Along with my fellow classmates, I was a part of an award-winning marching band for three consecutive years--the three years that I marched, we won a championship. I also had the pleasure of performing and marching down Main Street U. S. A. in Walt Disney World Florida. From these experiences I made many close friends and learned many valuable lessons.
I learned about Penn State by chance . . . but then again maybe it wasn’t. I hadn't heard or known much about the school, and to be completely honest the main reason I decided to apply, after the deadline I might add, was because the website was nice. I was accepted, and I had no idea what was in store for me.
After finding out Penn State had the Marching Blue Band, I decided to audition. I remember the two audition days in late August. I remember the anxiety I felt just after I had performed. There were a lot of talented girls auditioning to be a silk, and I was sure I hadn't made it. I remember Kathy finally posting the list and seeing my name.
My first year in the Blue Band was amazing. I have found my second family. The strangers, who had barely known me a month, helped me through the passing of my grandmother who passed a few days after our very first game, and my roommate who passed a week before finals. Through my struggles I've also gotten a glimpse of what life is supposed to be: crazy, fun-filled times with the people you love, doing what you love.
I can assure you, had I not taken that chance back in high school, had I decided to continue my life day by day in the same way I would not have made as many memories as I have. Engaging in life is a choice. You Only Live Once. Each of us is born with the decision to allow life to shape us, or for us to shape life. We must engage and make the things we want to happen, happen. We cannot allow valuable opportunities to pass us by.
This I Believe, life is a parade; you can either be a part of it or watch it go by. The choice is yours.
Y.O.L.O.
Marching band has brought me once in a lifetime opportunities. Along with my fellow classmates, I was a part of an award-winning marching band for three consecutive years--the three years that I marched, we won a championship. I also had the pleasure of performing and marching down Main Street U. S. A. in Walt Disney World Florida. From these experiences I made many close friends and learned many valuable lessons.
I learned about Penn State by chance . . . but then again maybe it wasn’t. I hadn't heard or known much about the school, and to be completely honest the main reason I decided to apply, after the deadline I might add, was because the website was nice. I was accepted, and I had no idea what was in store for me.
After finding out Penn State had the Marching Blue Band, I decided to audition. I remember the two audition days in late August. I remember the anxiety I felt just after I had performed. There were a lot of talented girls auditioning to be a silk, and I was sure I hadn't made it. I remember Kathy finally posting the list and seeing my name.
My first year in the Blue Band was amazing. I have found my second family. The strangers, who had barely known me a month, helped me through the passing of my grandmother who passed a few days after our very first game, and my roommate who passed a week before finals. Through my struggles I've also gotten a glimpse of what life is supposed to be: crazy, fun-filled times with the people you love, doing what you love.
I can assure you, had I not taken that chance back in high school, had I decided to continue my life day by day in the same way I would not have made as many memories as I have. Engaging in life is a choice. You Only Live Once. Each of us is born with the decision to allow life to shape us, or for us to shape life. We must engage and make the things we want to happen, happen. We cannot allow valuable opportunities to pass us by.
This I Believe, life is a parade; you can either be a part of it or watch it go by. The choice is yours.
Y.O.L.O.
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