This weekend, I found myself agreeing to do something that I wouldn’t have imagined that I would have agreed to.

I used to play the piano in my free time throughout middle school and high school. I never got to learn more than a few songs because with my schedule becoming increasingly busier, I never had the free time that I would have needed to learn new songs.

I have always imagined what would have happened if I would have taken more time to practice. I wanted to be the person that would play the piano at the mall or at weddings.

Whenever I would be at a wedding or a place where someone was playing the piano, I always used to picture myself where they were. I would think how wonderful it would be to be able to play so beautifully.

When I would practice the piano, I would start by playing a song that I previously knew. I would listen to the difference that the sound had on the piano I was currently playing versus my piano at home.

My grandparents have a piano at their house. Whenever we would have family gatherings there, I would play a song or 2 but past that, I had started to give up on the piano.

As I was with some friends over the weekend, one of whom is engaged, I found myself a part of a conversation where my engaged friend had asked if anyone of us knew how to play the piano. I responded and said that I did. Her face lit up as she turned to me and asked if I would play the piano at her wedding.

Of course, I said yes. I mean, how could I not have. It was a great opportunity for me to finally accomplish my musical dream. To play the piano at a wedding. It also seemed like a great idea because this opportunity would allow me to practice the piano like I used to. It would allow me to discipline myself to make time to practice and learn the few songs that she had asked me to play.

With about a year until the wedding, I will have time to get the songs down. The best part about this is that I can finally do something for someone who has made a great impact on me since college.

Through her, I can get back to doing something that I have been wanting to do more of and have a wonderful reason to be doing it.

Karena Ozier is a freshman elementary education major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at kmozier@eiu.edu.