What is the world without music? Is it silent? Is it still? It is empty. As a child, I desired to have a musical outlet but struggled in finding an instrument that suited me. Throughout my four years of piano lessons, I enjoyed the playing, yet I lacked the skill necessary to excel. I couldn’t focus and practice because this instrument did not grasp me. This experience brought me to try violin, and I soon found again that it was not for me either. I found that this type of music bored me, and it was not what I was searching for. I wanted something different and unique.

In 2010, I bought my first ukulele on Amazon and taught myself how to play through online lessons. Within two weeks, I could perform nearly every song I came across. It wasn’t until that first strum on my very first ukulele that I realized how important music is in our lives. I had a new understanding not only of music, but also of myself. I found the reason I wanted to play music and enjoy it: music strongly contrasted my academic life with something that I loved doing. When my mind is full of equations I know I can sit in my room and play Jack Johnson or Taylor Swift until my stress is gone. Through ukulele, I’ve also gained confidence that I never had. I wanted others to be able to appreciate music the way I did, so I decided to perform in my high school’s talent show. I was nervous, yet I managed to steady my fingers enough to play the desired chords. That night I felt proud of myself, but it wasn’t because of how well I played, but rather because I felt accomplished.

My ukulele gives me an outlet that allows me to escape reality and put feelings into tangible sounds. As I play in my room, strum a tune, pick a playful melody, or challenge myself with more difficult pieces, I find joy in the feelings my ukulele brings. Music has given me a chance to come out of my shell and will continue to be an important aspect of my life.