March 21st, 2009: a day that lives in infamy; a day that forever changed my life; a day when good and evil were examined under the periscope of human scrutiny; and the day I nearly died. That morning, I awoke happy and fulfilled; it was the day of the dress rehearsal for a concert, in which, I had my first solo! Little did I know, I’d never get to sing that solo. On the way to rehearsal, not even five...

Music is intertwined into every part of my life. Growing up in a family of musicians, it has always been a deciding factor in my life. My parents, both accomplished musicians, lead the family into our musical endeavors. There is hardly a silent moment in my household, someone always has music playing; or is rehearsing for an audition, concert, or other event. My father, a music teacher for 17 years, has been my support and foundation when it comes to musical...

UC Santa Cruz is a gorgeous campus. Just walking around everyday feels like you are at a summer camp. The community here is close knit, and finding your own special niche is no problem at all. The teachers...