I can't really pinpoint at what age I started singing, or even started to have an ear for music. There's a story my mom always tells to people when they ask, "When did he start singing?" She says, "He's always been singing!"
According to my mother, I started singing before I was even able to talk, leading her to believe that there was something wrong with me. Specialist after specialist told her nothing was wrong with me, and that I would speak when I was ready.
So, my form of communication was singing some random off-key pitch when I wanted, or needed something. Or, I would sing "Como la Flor" by the beloved Selena. So in some way, I like to say that music was my first language.
I can't imagine music not always being a part of my life. I've always involved myself in whatever I can that had to do with music. I remember in middle school I would spend my days in the music room learning and perfecting my craft. And I still do to this day, because music isn't just a form of art, it's a place of belonging to me.
I've gone through some pretty dark things in life, some of which led me to a very dark path of sadness that felt endless. But no matter how dark, music always seemed to be there. Music always seemed to be the only beam of light that shined through at times. That is why I dedicate my life to it.