Ever since I was eight, I've been entering the Utah Piano Solo Festival. It's basically a judging where you choose one classical song and one song from their list of repertoire and perform them for a panel of judges. They give you a score and some feedback. Sometimes they send you on to what they call 'Honors', the next level of Festival. Approximately 100 people go on to Honors and compete to be one of the 15 state winners.

When I was ten, I had the opportunity to compete at Honors level for the first time. I had worked hard on my song and on perfecting it. I felt confident in my work and was excited to compete. I did really well at the competition and went home happy.

A few days later, my piano teacher knocked on my door with Cold Stone ice cream in hand. I had been chosen as one of the 15 state winners! I was so happy and kept practicing my song for the Honors recital when the 15 would perform for their families and receive their prize money. It really taught me that if I worked hard for what I wanted, I could achieve great things.