I began my music journey by mistake, truly through making mistakes. When I was in kindergarten, my parents noticed that I struggled with basic learning tasks, as I made a lot of mistakes. Despite this, I was always a happy child, had a huge imagination, and began singing before talking. However, as I started school, I began singing more and more. I would spend hours at the kitchen table with my dad (who is incredibly patient) trying to keep up with my classmates. When my parents brought this to the attention of my kindergarten teacher, she brushed it off, insisting that I would catch up. Upon entering first grade, my amazing teacher agreed with my parents, and we conducted a few tests. It was revealed that the challenge lay in a delay in processing information. There was a slight delay in channeling information verbally or through writing, making it extremely difficult to stay on task and 'keep up'. Throughout grade school, sitting at the kitchen table

'catching up' became daunting as a happy-go-lucky child. To counter this experience, my parents helped by greatly encouraging me when I would sing. I was good at it, and it made me happy.

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When I was nine years old, my parents reached out to a local legend to inquire about vocal lessons. Mr. Gregg initially stated that he did not conduct lessons with children. Nevertheless, he agreed for me to come in so he could hear what I had to offer. During our visit, he remarked that I had "it" and expressed his interest in assisting me. I started having sessions with him every two weeks to record cover songs. Mr. Gregg advised my parents that if I truly aspired to pursue a career in music, becoming comfortable with the recording process would prove highly beneficial in the future. He also mentioned that even if I did not pursue music professionally, these recorded CDs would serve as cherished keepsakes." 

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Eventually, I started guitar lessons with Mr. Gregg. Despite his expertise, he never aimed to alter my voice. When I was 10, he remarked that my voice reminded him of Nora Jones. While my style has evolved over time, my early recordings reflected a soulful sound. Sadly, Mr. Gregg passed away after falling ill. During his illness, I sang to raise funds for him. This experience instilled in me the realization that my gift of music could not only benefit me but also assist others. I discovered that even the smallest acts, such as singing, could bring smiles to individuals facing struggles. I began performing in nursing homes and hospitals to uplift the spirits of those having a rough day.

 

By developing study habits that suited me, I eventually caught up with my classmates. By the time I entered high school, I was on par with my peers. Receiving the acceptance letter from the University of Michigan was a dream come true; my hard work had paid off. The opportunity to take a gap year granted by the University of Michigan allowed me to tour for a full year without disruptions. Touring was both incredible and enlightening. I gained valuable insights into people and honed my stage presence by performing in front of large audiences. It was like enrolling in a course on touring, and I experienced a significant learning curve.

 

I stand as a testament to the results of perseverance and consistent effort. Procrastination is not an option; start showing up and giving your all from the beginning! 

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My parents dedicated many years to teaching me the importance of advocating for myself. This has been one of the most challenging tasks, but I am proud of the progress I have made. I have developed strength and confidence, which I now use to inspire and uplift children, encouraging them to persist and show up for themselves. I am passionate about children's literacy and actively support initiatives like Giving Tree Books.

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