School example essay topic
397 words
Like most typical Asian kids, I was pressured by my parents to learn the piano at a very young age. I practiced diligently and I was decent for my age, but it wasn't something I particularly enjoyed. However, it has provided me with a strong foundation of basic music theory and technique, which I applied to my later violin studies. For a few years in middle school, I excelled at the violin, but when introduced to yet an even "better" instrument, I couldn't resist the temptation to switch once more to learn the viola. It was through this instrument that I really began to discover myself through music-I practiced because I wanted to, not because it was something I was compelled to do by my parents, and consequently, I have won several competitions and scholarships through that instrument. This year I have decided to try something different-rather than performing, I have decided to teach. I currently coach the younger orchestras of Tucson Junior Strings every Saturday, as well as teach basic music theory to aspiring musicians. Teaching is fun! Besides music, I volunteer regularly outside of school. During all of my high school summers, I have volunteered at Tucson Medical Center in departments ranging from Information Systems, Unit 300, and Breast Screening.
There, I worked with computers, women, children, and senior citizens regularly. I also volunteer at Epoch Senior Living for senior citizens where I provide them with music as well helping with more basic tasks such as serving food and changing bed sheets and linen. But most importantly, I have also discovered the most important aspect of my service at the assisted living center-of being born with an ear! Many of the tenants are visited by their loved ones only once or twice a year-for the other 364 days, it can get very lonely with nobody to talk to, and just my mere presence helps alleviate that emptiness for the brief hour or so that we may talk. With an average of sixty to seventy years of added life experience, I find most of their stories to be very entertaining as well as refreshing. Let's face it-one can only listen to stuff about cars, boys and clothing for so long before tiring of the same subjects prevalent in the school environment.
