At a vibrant family reunion, amidst the clatter of plates and the hum of cheerful conversation, freshman Skyler Sarabia heard an unexpected melody. It was not the typical family gossip that caught his ear, but the strum of a cousin’s guitar that would change his life.

“I had a cousin that brought a guitar, and I bonded with her a lot,” Sarabia said. “I thought that was the coolest thing in the world and I wanted to try it out.”

 This memorable moment of musical acknowledgment led Sarabia to explore the world of guitars. He soon found himself with his first guitar, a sleek Fender Stratocaster.

“I was more drawn to the guitar than other instruments because of the different types of music I always listened to; its sound is unique and more interesting, at least to me,” Sarabia said. “It seems more challenging, with tons of chords and riffs to be played or made.” 

Sarabia believes that music is everywhere and shapes personalities and cultures. 

 “My main musical influences are from when I was and still am growing up,” Sarabia said. My parents showed me a lot of bands, like System of a Down, Limp Bizkit, Nirvana, and Rage Against the Machine.” 

Like many musicians, Sarabia has faced challenges in mastering his instrument. However, he remains committed to improving his skills through practice.

“Practice makes you better,” Sarabia said, “Do not ever stop practicing, even if it is ten minutes a day. Keep going and increase your skills. Even if your fingers start to hurt or you feel stupid, keep going.” 

Although Sarabia aspires to start a band in the future, his primary motivation for playing guitar is the sheer joy it brings him.

“I do not have an achievement for my playing, I just want to play for fun,” Sarabia said.“If my music gets me somewhere then it does, if not, that is fine too.”