I take a deep breath and run through the musical piece in my head once more; I feed off the vibe of the audience. They want to feel a sense of pleasure if only for a moment. I zone everything out and begin to play the notes with emotion and zeal.
Every weekend at my Thai temple I practice playing my Thai instrument, called the Jakae, which I perform at various venues. At the age of eight, I started playing this instrument at my mother’s insistence, and yet, as I grew older, my love for performing Thai music blossomed. I attended practices for myself and for the hope that my music may affect others. The music I play reaches out to the Thai community, orphanages, convalescent homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. Soon after, I realized that the music made a difference in their lives; I realized that my music uplifted people in some way that relieves them of any of life’s burdens. Seeing these people dance, smile, and laugh with happiness because of my performance, affects me in ways that develops my love for my community.
Through these experiences, I feel more positive that I can handle the future and make a difference in people’s lives. What started out as just performing for entertainment purposes has branched out into many life lessons that help me grow and mature as an individual. The lessons I learned as a performer, by continuously gaining courage and self-confidence, are the beginning steps towards who I want to become. Through my love of playing Thai music, I realized that I am passionate about helping those who feel as though all hope is gone. This has helped to open my eyes to a career that is geared towards helping those in need, an Emergency Room doctor. I now realize that I am not just a musician. I am someone who can make a difference.
Why do I do what I do?: Because my love for music goes beyond the various notes I play, and transcends to reach the greater melody in life.
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