“Hey guys, my piano practice went longer than expected, so I might be a little late to the game.” Within the next minute, my phone erupted with messages of mockery and derogatory remarks from my soccer teammates. To them, I am an enigma. I prefer to think of myself as well rounded.

I realized just how unusual this combination was two years ago when I entered the school talent show. Upon informing my friends of my entry, they urged me on, thinking it to be a hoax. As I approached the stage, the crowd erupted with applause, ready to see a comic routine. That was as loud as it would be for the next five minutes, for as soon as the first few notes of the piano reached the audience’s ears, not a pin drop could be heard other than the beautiful music emitting from my piano.

The roar of the crowd and award for talent show winner shattered the category that most people placed me in; a jock without culture. This was more important to me than the award. To be unique and unable to be categorized; that was the reason of entering, and I had succeeded.

Because of these drastically different aptitudes, I have a wide range of interests, which each individually shape my personality. I’ve played in both the State Soccer Final and at Steinway Hall. I enjoy attending both a New York Red Bulls game and a Mozart Revival concert. These activities have allowed me to integrate with a variety of people, ranging from band members to the football team.

Despite the constant harassment, the