You may know her for her funny personality or her self-made press-on nails ,but did you know she’s also a musician? Nenzy Garibay, a high school senior, has been playing the violin since third grade.Throughout her time in orchestra, even though it was a rollercoaster, Nenzy has experienced major growth, especially from freshman to senior year. Looking back, she can now reflect on how much she has improved. “Yeah, I definitely think I have grown a lot. Sophomore year was rough. I was not very good at my instrument, and now I feel like I am one of the stronger players,not the strongest,but I feel like I’m up there.” Over time, Nenzy grew more comfortable with her playing and gained confidence she didn’t have when she was younger. However, her journey wasn’t always easy. At one point, she almost gave up the violin completely. “Yes, I did quit in seventh grade, but my teacher convinced my mother to have me stay, so I ended up returning in eighth grade,” she explains. Even after coming back, she struggled emotionally. “I was unhappy with my instrument. I was unhappy with everything, and I wished that I did end up being able to quit because it was taking a toll on me.” Now, as she is preparing to graduate in may, Nenzy feels bittersweet about her having to throw all she worked for away, she states, “It’s kind of bittersweet, because when I was younger, I hated the violin I’ve been playing for nine years,” she says. Although she’s put in years of effort, she’s unsure if she will continue playing after high school. “I want to continue, but I also think maybe it’s just something I should give up on because I put so much work and effort but is it really going to get me places? No.” In the end, Nenzy Garibay’s experience with the violin is more than just learning an instrument, it’s a story of growth, struggle, and self-discovery. Even if she chooses not to continue playing after high school, the dedication, resilience, and confidence she gained through orchestra will stay with her far beyond the classroom. Her journey shows that sometimes the most important lessons aren’t about where something takes you, but how it shapes you along the way.