Page 41 - 2019 UDMB Senior Will

To Val: Every conversation I’ve ever had with you has either taught me something, or just left me feeling really good about life and just everything in general. You are such a selfless person, and it is so obvious that every person you come across is better for having met you, as am I. Thank you.
To Sofia: COMP SCI PAL!! Not only did we share the field for the past four years, but we also managed to share a degree program. It’s really nice to have somebody to complain to whenever my code decides to destroy both my mental state and my laptop. You are so insanely smart, and I am so confident that you are gonna do big things in the programming community.
To Bri: OG FRHSD SQUAD!!! Bri you’ve proven to me that literally the only rivalry that ever existed between Manalapan and Howell was in their football teams. You are by far one of the most genuine and real people I’ve ever met in my life. You care so much for the people and things that you love, and it’s always so heartwarming and inspiring. I’ll never forget all the crazy inside jokes that we had (#fierypercussionnut), or all the deep conversations. I have no idea how I ended up walking next to Manalapan’s band on the way back from that competition, but looking back, I’m so glad I did.
To Jim: You gave this awkward kid from Jersey a second chance Sophomore year, and that was more than I could have ever asked for. You have been a mentor in every way possible, and you’ve given me lessons that I will take far beyond my college years. Every day you encourage us to push ourselves beyond what we THINK we can become, and you find new ways to help us grow both as musicians and as people. That post-game run at Homecoming this past year is something I will NEVER forget. I would say I’m grateful, but that would in no way truly encompass the level of pride and gratitude that I have for having gotten to work with you the past four years. So, I will simply say, thank you. Over the past 25 years, you have helped usher this percussion section into a golden age of performance quality, and I am so honored and thankful to be able to call myself a part of it.
To Sarv: When I first met you at the Band Leadership Workshop in West Chester my senior year of high school, I never thought I would have the opportunity to work with you beyond that. And yet here we are, and I am forever thankful for it. For 25 years now, you’ve taught this band the importance of family, hard work, and PASSION, but more importantly, you’ve also embodied these three ideals. You are a driving force in the marching band community, and for GOOD REASON. Thank you for all the opportunities you’ve given me, and more importantly, for giving me a chance to be part of something far greater than I could have ever imagined. It’ll be tough to watch from the sidelines for the first time in god knows how long, but I am so stoked to see what this band accomplishes in the future. It’s been four years of a wild rollercoaster, but I am better because of this product you have created. Thank you so much for that.
To Dan Curtin: Ah yes, my surrogate grand-little. Dude you continue to surprise me every day. You are wise beyond your years, and in just one semester have really shown yourself to be a great and unique personality, both in the chapter and on the field. You have such an energy about everything that you do, and it’s really cool to see. Keep focusing that energy, because when you hone it in, there’s truly no limit to what you can accomplish.
To Ziare: MY BOY!!! Gonna miss hyping each other up at rehearsal and performances man. Never lose that passion for performing, because that shit is CONTAGIOUS. It’s been such a pleasure to watch you grow both as a musician and as a person over the past three years. Do it up next year man. Throw down harder than you ever have before. I can’t wait to see it happen.
To Sam Phipps: IT’S PORK ROLL, NOT TAYLOR HAM. For real though, Sam you are one of the kindest people I have ever met. I’ve enjoyed every single conversation we’ve had, and it’s been so