“At the beginning of quarantine, I found myself unmotivated; it was hard to gain encouragement. With time and with the help of those around me, I was able to get back into music. Ever since I was little, music has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I was around music all of the time. When I was in the third grade, I was introduced to the piano. From there, I started learning how to play and sing at the same time. The piano soon become not only my favorite hobby but a therapeutic thing for me as well. However, when Covid-19 hit I lost all interest in music; it felt like I was losing a part of myself. Thankfully, my family and friends helped me to start playing again. The pandemic gave me so much time to learn different things and different music; it allowed me to explore more of the music world. Music helps me escape reality. Whenever I play the piano and sing, it gives me a feeling of peace and joy. I know now that music will always be a part of who I am and it’s something I won’t ever forget again.”- Sophomore, Grace Gomez