A Reflection of The Life Changing Experience in My Life

Looking back, it’s incredible how certain moments can completely change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Some experiences stick with you, shaping the way you think and act, even long after they’ve passed. For me, two moments stand out—one that showed me the power of connection, and another that taught me the value of perseverance.

The first experience happened on a warm summer night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. My brother and I had been counting down the days to see Justice perform live, but nothing could have prepared me for what that night would feel like. As we climbed the massive red steps, the sky was painted with deep oranges and purples from the setting sun. The energy in the air was electric—there was this unspoken excitement among the crowd.

Then, the first bass note hit. And suddenly, it wasn’t just music anymore—it was something bigger. You could feel it in your chest, in the way the crowd moved like one massive wave. Strangers became friends, sharing water bottles, laughing between songs, lost in the same moment. There was this older guy, probably in his fifties, dancing just as hard as the college students around him, and for some reason, that moment stuck with me. It made me realize that music doesn’t just entertain—it unites people. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how old you are; for a few hours, everyone is just there, sharing something special.

The second experience was a little less glamorous, but just as important. At 18, I got a summer job at Angelo’s Restaurant, and to say I was out of my depth would be an understatement. I was the youngest person on staff, constantly fumbling orders, mixing up tables, and struggling to keep up during the crazy lunch rush. My manager, Tom, had a reputation for being tough, and let’s just say he lived up to it. His criticism was brutal, and there were days when I’d escape to the walk-in freezer just to cool down—both physically and emotionally.

But something changed over those months. Every mistake was a lesson, and slowly, I got better. My coworkers, who at first seemed intimidating, became my biggest supporters. Maria taught me her system for remembering complicated orders. Joey showed me how to handle rude customers with patience. Even the regulars started checking in on me, asking about my college plans and offering advice.

Then came the shocker—Tom was fired. And to everyone’s surprise, the owner called me into his office and offered me a shift supervisor position. I remember standing there, trying to process what was happening. A few months earlier, I could barely carry three plates without dropping something, and now I was being trusted with a leadership role? But I realized something—it wasn’t just about getting better at the job. It was about learning to lead, to support my team, and to create a positive space for both staff and customers.

These two experiences changed the way I see the world. That night at Red Rocks taught me that connection can happen anywhere, even in a crowd of thousands. It reminded me that, underneath all our differences, we all crave the same things—joy, belonging, and shared experiences. My summer at Angelo’s showed me that real growth happens through struggle, and that a positive attitude can turn even the toughest situations into opportunities.

Looking back, I see what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls “flow”—that state where you’re so immersed in what you’re doing that time seems to stop. Whether I was lost in the music at Red Rocks or navigating the chaos of a busy restaurant, I was fully present, learning, and growing in ways I never expected.

Now, I don’t run from challenges—I see them as chances to grow. I don’t wait for perfect moments—I find meaning in the moments I have. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the highs or the lows, but how they shape us into who we’re meant to be.