As I nervously waited for the computer screen to show me the acceptance list for the 2008 Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band, my head was spinning with many different emotions. The questions "did I make it?" and "did I work hard enough?" floated through my mind, along with the strong emotions of fear and anxiety. After what seemed like hours, the computer screen finally popped up with the acceptance list.  Simultaneously, I quickly shut my eyes afraid of what was displayed on the screen, but as soon as I found some courage, I slowly opened my eyes and gasped. My name was on the list! I couldn't believe it. I was going to march with the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching in Orlando, Florida!  At that moment, I knew I had done my very best and was rewarded with the best gift of all.
        During a luminous day in first hour band, my band director was informing the class about an approaching honor band audition.  She not only told us about the rich history and tradition this honor band possessed, but also the wonderful opportunities a member receives, like a trip to Orlando, Florida.  I knew that this would be such a wonderful opportunity, but I was certain that I wouldn't be accepted due to the outcome of previous honor band auditions.  If only I knew at the time that the reason I didn't make previous honor bands was because I didn't practice with consistency and determination, I would have had a lot more courage and ambition to audition for this honor band; all I needed was a little push from a important person in my family to get me on the right track.  After hearing about the upcoming auditions, my uncle Todd told me that he wanted me to audition for the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band. Being an alumnus of this honor band, he knew the joy and pride that accompanied its membership, and he wanted me to be able to experience it too. Not wanting to let one of my role models down, I signed up to audition for the honor band and began practicing for what would soon mark a great milestone in my life.  At the beginning, I fell into my same routine of not practicing, but soon my uncle began constantly hounding me to practice and would daily ask how long I practiced. Not only did I not want to disappoint my uncle, but I also wanted to see the happiness on his face when I told him I practiced for at least an hour every day; consequently, I began not only practicing for one hour a day, but practicing from two to three hours a day.  After several weeks of practicing, the anticipated day of auditions finally came, and accompanied by nerves, I walked into the audition room for the first time with well-prepared audition material.
       The moment I walked into that audition room, I knew that I had accomplished great things.  I knew whatever the outcome maybe I still reached my goals and had felt overwhelmed with satisfaction, pride, and determination to accomplish any of my hearts desires.  Due to the lesson I learned through auditioning for the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band, I will set goals and strive with determination to complete those goals for the rest of my life.  In my current college years, I will set goals to achieve excellence in academics, which will reward me with a college degree and a beneficial career.  Also, I will never forget that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
       As stated before, becoming a member of the Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band taught me the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of life and the wonderful rewards that come with hard work and dedication.  Without experiencing this important event of my life, I probably would not strive for excellence and would not have the privilege of knowing what it feels like to accomplish a higher goal.  I hope many other people have also experienced this sense of pride and accomplishment that encourages them to strive for excellence in everything they do.