Though my first artifact may not be a paper, presentation, or project, this “item” holds more significance than any material item could ever hold throughout my entire life. This “item” has been the single most influential part of my learning and growth throughout not only my academic career, but throughout my entire life, and nothing could ever replace the hole it fills. This “item” is my dad. My dad passed away this past July, right before I was about to entire arguably the most crucial point in my life thus far. The entire twelve years of schooling I went through up until this point were with him by my side, so when I realized I would have to continue into college without him, I was crushed, lost, and purely heartbroken, because I was not sure that I could go on without his constant love and support. Most significantly, my dad helped me choose the college he felt would fit me best, and that would help me succeed in my future endeavors. My entire college search consisted of small, private, Catholic universities, up until a month before the deadline for application. My dad insisted that I apply to at least one public university, because of tuition, and in order to broaden my horizons. I chose to apply to The Ohio State University, because my dad had attended one semester here, and it seemed like, to me, the best public school in the state. Without him, I would not be here today. Additionally, my dad was the person who I made proud. After every good test score, good play in softball, or good day I had, I would run to him, because I knew I could make him proud and see a smile on his face. He was my motivation to do well in school, and to achieve to the highest of my abilities. Without him now, I have to find something else either within me or from another person to motivate me daily to keep up with my schoolwork and to stay as healthy as I possibly can.
This artifact does not reflect my learning in school, but rather my learning in music. I have been playing the piano for twelve years now, and over those twelve years, I have grown tremendously as a person, musician, and learner. Because of piano, I became a high achiever in math, and it became extremely easy to memorize facts for history and science. I truly believe that because of my piano background I have become a better student and learner in school. Up until this past May, I have taken lessons from the same teacher. Over the years, I performed in over 50 recitals, competed in two national competitions, played on the radio a handful of times, and most significantly, I have become a teacher myself. This piece of music that I have used as my artifact is one of the hundreds of pieces of music I have learned and memorized. As I looked through the handful of classical music books I own, I realized that I could play most all of the songs in them. So, I chose one of my favorites that I learned a while back, and can still play today. Through the years of taking lessons, I learned many valuable things from my amazing teacher, Miss Vera. I observed how she taught, how she pushed me, and her kind persona, looking up to her in every which way. It was from her that I learned how to teach others myself. To this day, I have thirteen students myself, and I notice how similar of a teacher I am to that of Miss Vera. She has given me the skill and support I need to succeed in performance and teaching, and I am forever grateful for all she has done for me.