From my UWC (University Writing Course) “culture journal”, unearthed in a supremely sappy Toastie ’97 post from Wednesday, September 29, 1993

Tonight, I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. In addition to the night having a highly personal meaning, it had a lot of cultural significance as well. This evening, I drove my beloved Susan to the music building so that she could practice the piano. I had been looking forward to the day that I might observe Susan playing the piano. I knew that she has been playing for eleven years and figured that she must be very talented. But I had no idea just how impressed I would be.

I planned to listen to Susan play a few pieces and then go outside and do some studying while she practiced the classical pieces that she must learn for her lessons. Susan was worried because she hadn’t played in awhile due to her mono. But she played brilliantly. She had books of popular songs that she could play with such incredible ease. I swore to her that she can make a living as a pianist, although she didn’t take me that seriously. Her renditions of songs that I love were better than the originals. My heart swelled and tore at the same time as I listened to her play Journey’s “Open Arms,” which is my #1 song on my Top 100. Susan needs only to glance at the music she’s playing. And she adds her own energetic and emotional style to it. She attempted to play “When I Fall in Love” from the movie “Sleepless in Seattle” completely from memory, never having attempted it before. And she did a beautiful job, although she was disappointed in herself.

Susan did something which truly pulled my heartstrings. I had composed a very elementary composition using my very elementary piano-playing knowledge. It is a pretty little piece, though. Susan listened to it, and she turned into a gorgeous, flowing, masterpiece, something worthy of a film score.

I was in such awe of her talents. I never felt as if I had witnessed so much talent in all of my life.

I wish so much that I could play the piano with one-tenth the ability of Susan. I listen to a lot of classical music now in my new room. I really want to be cultured in music. It’s so inspiring. Unfortunately, it’s causing me to be very disinterested in my school work. Perhaps I’ll have to take an intro-music course next semester.