Over the last year, my sleep had drastically improved; I had gone from averaging under four hours of sleep most nights to getting around nine. However, three months ago, something changed, and every morning I would wake to tiredness, headaches, and stiffness rivaling an old man. This fatigue would last far into the morning and frequently through the majority of the day. During my third-period class, I would often walk out, trying to bring myself back into normalcy. Oddly enough, there were times when I would feel energized and tired at the same time. I felt like I was awake, but not present, drifting through my days. Even music — the one steady aspect of my day — wasn’t working for me. I kept writing, but every idea I had unraveled the second time I’d listen back, so I’d revise it again. And again. Rhythm, lyrics, story, none of it stuck. That tiredness that lived in my body crept into my mind as well.

These days of constant revising are layered on top of each other. My passion for music kept me motivated to keep going. But the same could not be applied to other aspects of my life. When I injured my knee, I lost my motivation to run and swim. Even then, I still clung to my music.

When school started in 2025, one of my close friends texted me, asking if I could play specific chords on the piano. I was a little confused, but I sent him a video playing the random chords he had requested. Soon after, he explained to me that he had started a band a month ago and wanted me to join. Something inside me woke up. I stayed up way too late that night, probably until two in the morning, working on the piano, because I didn't want to show up unprepared.

I was ready. But I had a learning curve ahead of me. While I had played for a while, I could barely read sheet music, and I definitely could not sight-read, so I dug into that. I also worked on tuning my ear to the sound of chords. I would sit at night with my headphones over my ears, connecting me to the piano. Then, I’d bring my hands to a new position on the piano, then the guitar. I’d just listen, and avoid my thoughts; feeling, not analyzing. Every chord has a different, unique sound, and it is important to find the right sounds to convey your message.

Joining the band increased my understanding of music and changed how I perceived it. I felt so much more confident in the songs I wrote, and have written five original pieces in the short time since I joined.

I feel like I can hear the complexities in music I didn’t use to notice; I understand the power of putting emotion and experience into a song. I hear the melodies in the world around me, and realize that the best music I’ve ever listened to is just someone’s authentic story.

After this one moment, I started hanging out with other friends more because I generally felt happier and more socially available. I didn’t feel the same terrible way when I woke up. I was more confident in asking people to hang out, watch a movie, or just spend time together. I also got my license, which opened doors for me. I could drive to meet up with friends and play music. The confidence I’ve gained by taking chances in my life has made me feel a lot happier, and now when I wake up, instead of tiredness, headaches, and stiffness, I feel energized and hopeful.

This journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and seizing opportunity is a small reflection of the American dream, the idea that through effort, creativity, and connection, one can transform challenges into possibilities and forge a life of purpose.

© Oliver. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.