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A Drum Major of True Inspiration

In any group or team, there are always leaders that encourage everyone to keep on persevering during difficult times. In the marching band that I am currently in, we have an assistant drum major named Angela, and she is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met.

The summer going into my freshman year was very difficult for me. I came to the realization during this time period that my friends weren't really true friends and that they didn't appreciate me much. Throughout my middle school years, I was not the best individual. I was getting into trouble for the pranks I was committing, including toilet-papering homes and vandalizing them with eggs as well. The people I chose to hang around kept telling me that I was gay because of the music I listened to and because I was not like them. My self-esteem had fallen to an all-time low and I had just about had it.


When I went to band camp in the summer, everything changed. I was greeted by the best individuals, one of them being Angela. Angela's optimistic personality has changed me for the better. Through her small acts of kindness towards me and the other members in the band, I realized that there are other students that really do care about me. Not once has she ever ignored me and every time I pass by her, she either waves or sends a friendly smile out to greet me.

I have known Angela for two years now and I have learned a lot from her. She is the type of person who will speak to everybody and notices those who do not have anyone to talk to. She will always be there if you are feeling blue or melancholy, and Angela's warm smile will brighten your day. To this day, I feel like an outcast, but because of Angela's kind and affable character, I know that she will always be there for me, even when she graduates. I consider her a 'big sister,' and without her, the band would just not be the same. The underclassmen will always remember her for many years to come for setting the best example possible and for leaving a positive mark in the lives of everyone.

Story was submitted anonymously