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Pride Sample

On August 12, 2017, my family for the summer and I, aka the Santa Clara Vanguard

Cadets, won the Open Class championship title. This honor was one earned only through hours

upon hours of daily grueling rehearsal in the +117 degree weather, reps on reps of the same drill at

speeds near sprinting, etc. The Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets is a participating drum corps of DCI

(Drum Corps International), aka marching music’s major league, out of you guessed it, Santa Clara

(CA), made up of about 130 members with an average age of 19. Even becoming a member of

such a group was very competitive, especially as a 14 year old from a school who doesn’t even

compete in field show. So in even earning a spot, I am very proud of my dedication and talent.

Furthermore, in going through the season, working tirelessly to improve not just our show but our

sportsmanship in general, the results were found evident through not just self reflection, but proven

in our first place ranking. On an individual level, when watching videos of myself from pre-tour at

the end of the season, it was so cringeworthy -- and I think that’s pretty dope. I was also extremely

tan and blonde and muscular by the end of the season from hours in the sun met with four full

meals, so that’s also great.

That all however is mostly just about progression in this specific art, but really that summer

meant so much more to me than that. I gained grit and grew just a little bit in terms of socials.

Going into auditions the previous winter I was very intimidated by all the other potential members,

as a predisposed socially awkward kid. Then on the contrary, by the end of the season I had

learned from my lossed and granted opportunities alike. I’ve learned that I just need to put myself

out there more with less fear; I mean what is there to lose? By speaking up I gained a few friends.

I’ve come to actually enjoy pushing my limits, as I recognize the potential which they have to

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grow. I’ve also learned to be more honest/vulnerable even when it hurts, because when I shelled up

I robbed myself of making closer friends than I had. For all these lessons I am thankful and proud

of my growth, which is only part of why SCVC means so much to me.

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