Football is Life

When my younger sister entered junior high, I wanted her to find something meaningful outside of school — something that connected her passions with helping others. That’s how we ended up in Music as Medicine, a volunteer program where students play live music for nursing home residents.

At first, she was nervous. The idea of performing for strangers, especially in such an emotional setting, felt intimidating. I remember feeling the same way when I first joined. So I helped her prepare — choosing familiar songs, practicing duets, and talking about what to expect.

The day of the performance, I watched her walk into the room, violin in hand, shoulders tense but determined. By the time she played her final note, the residents were smiling, some even humming along. On the drive home, she told me it was one of the happiest moments she’d had all year.

Mentoring her through that experience reminded me why I love this program — not just for the music, but for the way it bridges generations. In that small space, surrounded by sound and gratitude, we were reminded that kindness doesn’t need to be loud. Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing a song.