One of the most impactful experiences of my entire life started when I was just eight years old in the third grade. I signed up for an “after school enrichment” program that taught me how to play basic multi-percussion on a tiny metal xylophone and a plastic drum pad. I had grown up watching my sisters go through their high school band program, and ever since I can remember, I looked at the cool kids on the drumline and thought, “that’s what I’m going to play when I get older.”