For some reason, I always forget how to breathe onstage, and instead of taking a few deep breaths, I end up taking a thousand short ones so that it looks like I’m having a seizure. Also, inevitably, I forget the words and stumble over some of the notes. My face turns from white to bright red, and I struggle to keep my composure.

Just as I’m about to throw the mic down and run offstage sobbing…something clicks. I’m not sure what it is. But all of a sudden, the strength comes back to my notes; the words flood back into my head. A smile returns to my face. My hands steady and the mic stops shaking.

Now the audience is clapping. Maybe not a standing ovation, but it still feels like one to me. My heart soars as I finish my solo and bow, and when I look back up I can see my parents applauding wildly. My mom’s crying, like always.

As I exit the stage, still flying high, I wonder if I’ll ever try this solo thing again. Maybe someday. But for now, I think I’ll stick to what I’m good at.