March 22, 2016

Somehow, my family had ingrained in me the idea that I don't have enough time. I skipped All State because I thought I didn't have time to practice for the audition—a belief that has since, by virtue of my college experience, been proven false. Throughout the year I was dating, I think we went on a total of three dates, always in town, because there was no time.

But there was plenty of time.

So when my high school band teacher offered me a temporary seat in the Buffalo Community Orchestra—smack in the middle of my busiest semester yet—I said no. There was no time. My family was pleased with my rational decision.

But a few weeks later, three members of my community band cornered me; they were also members of the orchestra. After listening to their explanations of the value of the opportunity, and that the orchestra would only ask me once, I said yes, reluctantly. My family, though, was mortified.

Guess what?

There was plenty of time.