Six-year-old me had no idea what she was getting herself into when she was put in the honor choir at Bayyari Elementary. Showing up every day before school to participate, little did she know the path this would lead her on for the rest of her life.

Not just choir, but music, in general, has given me so many opportunities and gifts that will affect the rest of my life. All my choir experience since elementary school led me to the moment the Lighthouse results were posted on google classroom summer of 2020. I was shaking as I opened the document and quickly scanned through the names and as I reached the bottom I read the name, “Marissa Williams.” I almost started crying. I was instantly taken back to the time I went to a Har-Ber choir concert when I was in middle school, in awe of the talent. Afterward, I told my parents, “I could maybe be in Camerata, but there’s no way I could be in Lighthouse.” My parents responded by saying, “You never know, you’re a really good singer, Marissa.” That was when I made a promise to myself that I would at least try, try my best not only to make myself proud but also my parents.

Now here I am today, with the greatest friends of my life, and now using my talent outside of school, in the worship team at my church. My greatest blessing that Choir has given me by far is my friends. Sure, we’re the classic “choir kids,” but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Choir has changed my life for the better, and it’s something that will hold all my memories for as long I live.