When growing up, I lived life in a grayscale dreary world. I had a class of 64, but only 3 true friends. In fifth grade, I found who I was, but it only gave me another reason to want to run and hide. I was a band geek and proud of it. But, my class thought I was a nerd, an idiot, and different -- but in a bad way -- who should not be that much in love with band because it was only band.
     I would go home and cry after every day because I was singled out for being who I am. My childhood from fifth grade on was spent in my room staring into a world of black and white, but my flute brought color and joy to my lonely black and white life.  Everytime my flute began to sing, my troubles went away. But, still my life was greyscale because I knew the next day I would back to school.
     My mom saw how much I enjoyed my flute and how it brightened my day even when the light did not shine. So, my mom signed me up with a teacher -- but she only encapsulated my creativity by giving me basics when I yearened for a challenge. As my days grew darker, I asked my mom to find someone else -- someone who would challenge me. So, she did.
     After a long, miserable school year of torture, I was doubtful that I would like this new teacher, but I still had a glimpse of optimism. It was a Monday in June of my fifth grade year at four o’clock. The door to room 101 opens, another kid -- older that me -- walked out, and then I hear, “Are you Sarah!”
     I nod shyly.
     “Hi! I am Jenn! Come on in!”  
     Jenn Taylor is a music teacher at Hartland Conservatory of Music who turned my greyscale life of sorrow and misery into a colorful rainbow of joy and happiness. Jenn saw my willingness to learn and improve my skills. But most of all, she saw how happy music made me. She also saw I enjoyed a challenge, however she knew  my basic skills needed work. Instead of pulling exercise book after exercise book, like my last teacher, she found a challenging piece which also improve my skills along the way. When I left 30 minutes later, I could see a silver lining.
     She is passionate about her students and understands that everyone has different styles of playing. For example, she learned I can’t stand traditional classical, but I had a knack for fast and technical pieces. At times, she forced me to play something different and out of my comfort zone, but in the end it made me a better musician and open to new ideas.
     Jenn took the time to find a learning style that fits who I am and encouraged me to try new things.
     I normally don’t open up to new people as soon as I meet them, but Jenn was different. She is the type of person who I can open up too and share how my day has been -- for good or for bad. Jenn is basically a therapist. She is a person who does not judge you, but can listen intently while offering advice and escape from reality. The cool thing is, I learned how to be more open and confident in myself and be proud of who I am while embracing my uniqueness.
     When I first showed up outside room 101, I was timid person who lived a grayscale life because I love music and was different. But as soon as the door opened, I was introduced to a new way of life, a colorful life.
     Jenn is like a rainbow -- always bringing a smile after a storm and guiding your way to your “pot of gold.” Jenn colored my world and made me who I am today -- proud, outgoing, and always optimistic -- and I sincerely thank her for changing my life forever.