It’s weird how the most influential aspects of a person’s life form from creating a path trying to avoid it. Growing up in a religious household, I had no choice but to learn an aspect of our religion. For me, it was Carnatic singing music. Carnatic music is like gospel music for Christians. Through my 10+ years of learning, most of it was a blur, with all the teachers having their kinks.

It wasn’t until I met my 4th teacher, Mrs. Padma that my disdain for singing skyrocketed. I would like to compare her to a more tame version of Terrance Fletcher. This is where I began to vent my frustration with Carnatic music since I could not quit. Carnatic songs rang through my head, so I would often hum other songs to myself. Due to this pitiful protest I was doing, I learned about rap music and my strategy of humming during tests and studying to get better grades.

As time went on, going to more competitions and performances, my ways of coping with my current predicament largened. I joined a band class at one point, where I met most of my friends. By sharing stories about my frustration and strict teachers, I gained more confidence to talk to more people than before.

Weirdly enough, when I ended singing before college, I grew an appreciation for the one core aspect that changed my life in a brand new direction my younger self would have never believed. I don’t know what future lies ahead, but whatever it may be, I have my experience with Carnatic music to help me march on.