Every time I touch one of the keys on a piano, my mind starts to pop up ideas about what songs should be played. Everything around me is blocked and all concentration is focused on the music. When music plays, I feel calm and focused. The only thing that gets in my way is schoolwork. I had my first contact with music when a friend showed me a Michael Jackson concert CD. The passion that Michael Jackson put into dance and music gave me the desire to be involved in music. The only thing I'm afraid of when playing is having to perform in front of large groups of people. When a lot of people focus on me, I get very nervous and start shaking. However, in the future I wanted to be good at playing music because it helps me escape the stress of the real world. In Saudi Arabia, the place where I was born and raised for 11 years, there is nothing to do as a child. My source of entertainment is playing sports with my friends and watching a Filipino channel that mostly shows family games and dramas, which really doesn't spark interest for a guy like me. When I wanted to pursue music, my parents made me take private piano lessons. I didn't like it at first because I didn't like doing the things my parents forced me to do, but I started to like it after a few weeks. Just when I was getting used to it, we have to stop classes due to financial problems. Even though it was a short time, I was able to read the musical notes and apply them to the piano keys. However, I wasn't good enough to play the songs I wanted. School was becoming an obstacle for me when I wanted to play the piano. Homework always piled up and exams prevented me from having free time. After 11 years, me and my family... halfway... very important to me because I know that in some way I have helped someone or a family in the Philippines. This also made me realize that life is short and unpredictable; you never know when and how your life will end. You should always appreciate the little things in life and the moments you spend with the people you care about. Today I am taking the courses required for my specialization in Mechanical Engineering. I'm also looking to transfer from CCC to one of the top engineering UCs. I no longer have the desire to pursue a music career, but I still want to improve my musical skills and help people in need. From what I learned during my school years is that life sometimes gives you many opportunities. It is your responsibility to choose which opportunity is best and you must be determined to overcome obstacles to reach the end of that path .