“You know that feeling when you are about to start something new and you are almost overwhelmed by the sheer excitement and anticipation? I sometimes picture this feeling as opening a present and a glowing light is shining so bright from within that you can’t actually see what is inside but you just know it will be amazing. I often think that this feeling, and the things that inspire it, is what drives me to try new things and explore new passions. Yet, there are times when I have had this feeling, held the glowing box in my hand and experienced all the excitement, and found myself disappointed by what was inside. I got what I thought was an amazing but found that the work didn’t make me happy. Experiences like this have taught me that just because something seemed like it would be perfect at first doesn’t mean I have to stick with it if it doesn’t fit who I am or my goals.
As I have gotten older, I realize the importance of doing things because I enjoy them or because I am growing from them, not just going down a path I am supposed to follow. I played classical piano growing up, so never really thought jazz music was something I could or should attempt. Yet, my freshman year I heard the Coast Jazz Orchestra perform and I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I spent Covid practicing jazz techniques on the piano so that I could audition for the group this fall. Unfortunately, I was not good enough to make the cut. However, I also play cello and the director decided that I could be a helpful addition to the group if I worked hard to learn jazz techniques on the cello. This experience went nothing like I planned, yet by following my passions I ended up joining a group that excites me and I am growing as a musician.
I don’t think it is possible to be the best, or even good, at everything I want to do. Playing football throughout high school, a sport you likely would not guess by looking at me, definitely taught me that. Yet, I joined the team freshman year having never played before and graduated knowing more about the strategy of the sport than most and generally being a better player than quite a few teammates. Coming to Dartmouth forced me to face some of the aspects of my passions where I was less than extraordinary, but I am now surrounded by people I can learn from and work with to get better at things that make me happy.”
– Daniel Lin, ’23