By Ashley Haugerud
What does passion mean to you? Is it just another word in the dictionary? Just a meaningless concept? Or is it one of the greatest gifts we, as humans, are given? To me it is exactly that. My passion is music, and I believe passion is an opportunity to build our ambition, faith, and love. Music is always pushing me to the limits, and never fails to make me truly happy.
When I was younger, I had not the slightest clue of what my true passion was. I started out high school believing my passion was to be what everyone else’s was, and what society had already preordained it to be. The popular passion in high school is sports, so, as a seventh grader, I immediately assumed that was my passion. I quickly found out sports were not for me, but did not have the audacity to quit. The whole meaning of passion is finding something you love and striving to succeed at it, but I did not realize this at the time.
As I failed at pursuing my “passion” for sports, I also had been participating in piano lessons and band. Music at the time just seemed to scare me. It was such an intense subject that I believed I could never succeed at, but I began to tell myself, “Do what scares you most because that is the thing you are afraid of failing at, and that is what ultimately will be the most rewarding.” I began to let go of sports and open up to music, which was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.
As I focused on music and found myself succeeding. I realized how happy it made me feel. Music began to boost my ambition and has never stopped. To this day I have learned to play multiple instruments as well as improve my vocal skills. Music takes me to another world and sets my soul on fire. Although music is not seen as a common career choice, I have faith it will continue to be a part of my life, no matter what. My passion for music has helped me realize that if something is truly meant to be, it will be. I had no idea music was my passion when I was younger, but now my life revolves around it. Music found its way to me, as it always will. The love I have for music is undeniable and it helps me see the world in a whole different way.
If you are struggling right now to find your true passion, don’t be afraid to take risks. If you wait for the right time to try something new, you will be waiting for the rest of your life. Passion is inevitable, so get up and find it. We are not all meant to have the same passions and when you find yours it’ll feel like the beginning of something amazing. Passion gives people ambition, faith, and love. Don’t let what others believe is right get in the way of finding your inner fire. So, tell me, what is your passion?
Ashley Haugerud is a student at Fillmore Central High School. She is one of seven area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 19th year.