J Nicholas Johnson

College Essay

October 8, 2021

No, I Don’t Play the Drums

“Drum Major Nicholas Johnson, is your band ready?” I have found my passion lying in

various activities throughout my life yet having the opportunity to be a leader in the way that I

am has no comparison. From the beginning of my leadership journey to where I am today, I have

learned about myself and loved developing my confidence with a new outlook on life.

I have found many opportunities in leadership; my ability to harness leadership skills

through marching band has been superior to any opportunities I’ve been gifted with before.

Within a group of such vast ranges of beautifully diverse people, the individuality and unique

ideologies of each member have given me the chance to work with people on a personal level

allowing me to create a meaningful impact upon them. In a utopian band, there would be no

conflict, alas there are inevitable conflicts that I have the opportunity to act on and solve for the

good of the group. I believe that a large part of my leadership position is making the jobs of my

directors as easy as possible. Because of this responsibility, I joyfully resolve conflicts that

appear within and outside of rehearsal. Along with that responsibility, I find it important to be a

model to those who are to follow my lead as well as to those who don't necessarily have to.

Throughout my leadership journey, I have often reminisced upon challenges I faced from

previous years that have shaped me to be who I am today. From a major conflict with my parents

to simple relationship problems, solving these issues has been integral in shaping my values

today. Through these occurrences that I have successfully overcome, I can adequately

sympathize with the members of the band who need me. I live for small opportunities to serve
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people and it makes me excited to watch them overcome their struggles just as I have done

before. I now understand that my hardships have changed from a negative experience in my life

to be positive tools that allow me to empathize and truly help those around me.

Furthermore, returning to school after the pandemic was exhilarating as I found myself

able to express my ideas as an active student more than ever before. Amazingly, I saw how my

leadership from the band was able to transfer into my everyday life. Just as I could in rehearsal, I

found myself being able to effectively communicate about topics that ranged from math

problems to why Congress has certain constitutional powers. I was able to connect with people

that needed my help as I could in the band. Due to leadership practice, I gained the confidence to

the point where I noticed myself being more involved through participating in classes without

hesitation, for I know that even if mistakes result, they will only improve my abilities and

knowledge. This newfound confidence has created joy in my life to where I am excited to learn

and experience more in areas where I have not participated as heavily before. The pleasure from

school, band, and my after-school employment as a customer service aide has shifted my outlook

on life to be more positive, constructive, and resulting in constant improvement of my abilities as

a positive mindset means constantly pushing for more from myself and others.

Though confidence expresses itself in many ways, I have been blessed to have the

opportunity to find myself as the drum major of the Cox Marching Falcons, as my experiences

have allowed me to discover my strengths and improve on my weaknesses. The confidence I

discovered within myself has been my current, greatest success. From my confidence, I have

been able to employ joy and a new outlook on all aspects of life. I am beyond excited to carry

my new outlook with me as I proceed onward.