Statement Of Purpose: After High School

As a senior two months away from graduating, I have been asked to think about my future countless times this school year. Although the future is uncertain, I have one goal in mind: not being average. Throughout high school I have achieved multiple awards and accomplishments that have helped me stand out from the rest of the crowd and I hope to continue this. I have maintained a 4.042 grade point average in high school, and I want to continue achieving good grades in college as well. I do not want to be the person who is remembered for fizzing out after high school. I want to be the person who goes on to do bigger and better things. I want to earn a degree, travel, and buy my own house. As the quote by John Muir on my water bottle says, “The

Over the duration of my high school career, I have earned a music letter every year by being involved in the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Patriot League Symphonic Honor Band, and Combined League Honor Band. As a freshman, I was chosen as the saxophone section leader over any upperclassmen because of my tireless hard work. I also auditioned and won the position of saxophone, clarinet, and flute section leader in the Marching Band since my sophomore year. Being a section leader in the marching band includes mentoring band members in my section, running rehearsals, and sharing my knowledge about the saxophone with my band members. Having this opportunity helped me become into a leader I never thought I could be. I learned to be patient with others and began to understand other’s strengths and used them to build them up. Starting my sophomore year, I began to take private saxophone lessons under the instruction of multiple graduate students at the University of Northern Colorado, a practice that has taught me skills I share later with my section and band. This past marching season, a sophomore’s father approached me and said, “Thank you for setting Colton’s bar so high. He keeps reaching to be as good as you are,” which was one of my proudest moments in high school. I was also voted the most outstanding and helpful band member by my own peers my freshman and junior year. I am glad I have helped mentor the band members that will continue to make a name for our music program. The Eaton High School band program has been a significant part of my high school career, as I have spent countless hours in the band room practicing and formed long and meaningful friendships. Outside of Eaton, I have also auditioned into the lead Patriot League alto chair for two years in a row, which means I was the best saxophone player of every