Everyone should believe in something, whether it be religious or — like for me — music. Music understands me when I don’t have anyone else to turn to. It’s my passion, but when I was younger I didn’t think about music as much as I do now.

I’m the guy you see in the halls of Grant driving around in my little scooter, and I also play snare drum for percussion ensemble. What I have is called muscular dystrophy; it weakens the nerves and muscles in the lower parts of my arms and legs.

When I could still walk, I always told my parents how I was going to play basketball or soccer. But as I grew up, my disease progressively got worse to the point where I couldn’t walk anymore. So I have to use this electric wheelchair as my mobility.

At first it was hard. I was kind of heartbroken and in disbelief. The fact that I couldn’t walk anymore was difficult to me and to my parents also because it meant that I would have to be more dependent and need more help. I just had to accept that I had to adapt to continue to live, and choose a passion that wasn’t physical.

When I was younger, the movie “Drumline” came out. It’s a zero to hero kind of movie. The main character has to learn how to follow and improve before he becomes a leader. Seeing that movie, I was inspired and I told myself: “Hey, I want to do that when I grow up.”

I’ve been playing the drums since sixth grade and I sing a little bit, too. Being in band and percussion ensemble, I feel like I’m a part of something. It’s probably one of the greatest feelings ever. In college I want to continue doing music, whether it’s produce, compose, play, record or sing or continue playing the drums. I want my career to be something that I love and am passionate about, which is music.

It has definitely taught me to be committed and dedicated to my talent and craft. It helps me motivate myself in my schoolwork and any other task that I need to do throughout my day. People say that it’s a universal language that everyone understands. When people first see me, they don’t really approach me to try and talk to me. Because I’m in a wheelchair they think I’m kind of isolated, like I’m in my own world. At first, some might judge me, but I can start talking to them about music and then they get a better understanding of who I really am. I believe in music because it keeps me going, it understands me.

Music already knows my story.