I started to see a streak of sunshine enter my window, when all the doors had closed on my life. My music teacher, Mr. Cullinan, chose me as one of his SWARM (Students Writing And Recording Music) students. After learning and understanding the pieces by great composers, I was really looking forward to taking his SWARM class so that I could compose my own songs. It gave me an opportunity to develop my passion and love for music, and to express what was inside of me. At the end of the year, I was able to perform my pieces in front of the whole school and produce our CD.I also had a chance to show my creativity that I couldn’t show in academics or athletics. As a result, I focused on the music rather than being angry at my life. I forgot about all the stresses that I was having that year while I was concentrating on music. Creating the music relieved the pain, and I also gained a friendship between a teacher and a student, spending a lot of time working on music with Mr. Cullinan. I put all my emotions, passion, and time into creating my art.