Challenge 14: Center Stage

First experiences can be defining. Cite a first experience that you have had and explain its impact on you. (University of Pennsylvania)

I am very open to trying new things in life. It is a way of learning more in this world where there is just so much to learn. Many new experiences, have lead me to continue searching for more. I come from the state of Aizawl, Mizoram, India, and when I was studying in New Delhi, the capital of India, we (Mizos) always had an annual Mizo festival called Kut. We continue to have this festival, and the Mizo community continues to grow as well.

My father used to perform every year in the festival, and when he passed away in 2002, I felt as though I had to perform in memory of him. I decided to rap. I was eight years old back then and the idea of performing in front of hundreds of people was nerve wrecking. Despite my nervousness, I had to take the center stage. The music started, and I started to do my thing. That was the first time I ever officially performed in front of a huge crowd. I performed again the following year, and the year after that, and the year after that, and I kept going. All the things that contributed to my successful performance the first time helps me move forward in life. The stage gets bigger and bigger every time, and each performance makes me a better performer.

 I am speaking both literally and metaphorically. Experiencing the stage for the first time was the hardest, but it gave me the courage to step on even bigger stages.  Since then, the music has never stopped for me. It keeps playing everyday, and it gets louder and louder.