When my mother signed my sister and I up for piano lessons five years ago, I had no idea that learning to play would have such a profound impact on who I am. After my first lesson, when I could hear what progress I had made (a very rough and almost unrecognizable "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star") I was hooked. Since then, I've practiced almost any chance I can get. Though some would find playing the same songs ad infinitum until perfection painfully tedious or even irritating, I find it relaxing. Hearing the same notes gives me a sense of familiarity. After long days of school, extracurricular activities, and dealing with household chores, a relaxing hobby, like playing the piano, is the only thing on my mind. Additionally, it's vastly