After months of preparation for our competition, the day had finally come. I still remember the immense amount of motivation the band had as we marched on to that football field. Even though we had almost fallen down several times, we still continued to believe that we actually stood a chance at this competition. I learned what it truly meant to be dedicated to something and to love it with everything you have. Over the course of those months I had put all of my effort into organizing practices, teaching the drill, helping the band with the music, and being there for everyone. There had never been something that I put so much passion into without caring what I ended up getting in return. Once we let out a sigh of relief after our final note, I knew that the band had given their all and our hard work had paid off. The happy ending continued as we were awarded a trophy during the closing ceremony and later found out that the district had hired a new band director. Marching band has taught me endless lessons and brought out qualities in me that I never knew I had. Instead of looking at this experience as a tragedy, I now see it as something that benefitted me and helped me to discover myself. I gained not only some of my closest friends, but another family as well. I’ve learned how to deal with pressure and to keep moving forward no matter how difficult the challenge may be. Marching band has been a major part of my life and continues to shape me as a