DJ Yu

Living in a household where my mother and grandmother were musically talented, I was expected to continue their legacy. Beginning at the age of five, I began to learn how to play the piano. As a little child, I was unable to concentrate for prolonged periods of time, making it difficult for me to have quality practice time. By the time middle school came around, I told my mother that I would not continue playing piano because I thought of it as boring.

However, my mother decided to persuade me into trying to learn a different instrument. Although I was hesitant at first, I can never thank my mother enough for this valuable moment. All throughout middle school and high school, I learned how to perfect and perform with my cello. In doing so, I was able to meet lifelong friends and meet people who were also very interested in perfecting their craft.

Middle school included many failed attempts to join county orchestras and the Georgia All-State orchestra. However, this encouraged me to practice harder. My success is clearly displayed in my high school career, primarily consisting of my performance at Carnegie Hall and with the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Currently, I have not been playing the cello because during my senior year of high school, I felt as if I lost a connection. I am positive I will reconnect with my instrument once I rekindle the old passionate fire I once possessed.