During a football game’s half time, students watch the marching band perform but really, they’re watching students do what they love. Senior Christopher Upshaw has been playing the clarinet for almost five years. He has worked hard towards his goals and has preserved through difficult times.

   Upshaw’s passion started when he was young and looking for a hobby.

   “I started playing for the middle school band after I found my mom’s saxophone. Then I changed to clarinet and really enjoyed it,” Upshaw said. 

   Upshaw wants to show others you can only control yourself.                                                      

   “Whenever I was in seventh grade, I wanted to be the best version of myself. I learned no matter how good you are, you can only control your growth,” Upshaw said.

   Working towards goals can affect how students feel about their activity. It happens to lead towards burnout and only someone with true passion can handle the pressure.

   “Doing band for a long time makes it look like a job, but I’ve never felt that way. I have a true passion, and see it as something I love to do,” Upshaw said.

   Every student with a passion has to make sacrifices, especially time. 

   “Nights are late and mornings come early. I get home after school and practice, then do homework, I wake up in the morning and get to school early to practice more. But I am a firm believer that anyone can do anything,” Upshaw said.

   Different things keep students doing what they love, for some it’s being pushed by family supporters, for others it’s all passion and support even when it gets hard. In Upshaw’s case, he loves looking back and seeing his improvement.

   “I enjoy the feeling of completing a goal so I can look back and be proud of the things I have accomplished,” Upshaw said. 

    Everyone needs people to support them when times get tough. Some parents may force their kids into doing activities they don’t like to do, or don’t give support when their student needs it. However, for Upshaw, his parents are his biggest supporters. Parents can play a big role in students life’s helping them overcome challenges.

   “Listening to your kid learning to play an instrument is not enjoyable, but they did. They always pushed me, not to the point I didn’t like it, but to a point where I was getting better and the passion was there,” Upshaw said.