Throughout my childhood, the music of movies has always impacted me in such a far reaching way. I loved songs such as “Lovefool” by The Cardigans which showed the “meet-cute” romanticism featured in Romeo + Juliet. Or how about the fiery, rebellious, and love struck anthem of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Mind featured in The Breakfast Club. Each of us is the star in our own movie, and we all have a song that plays during pivotal scenes in our lives. It’s that song that just hits different. The kind of song that plays as we stop in the middle of the sidewalk on our way to work and contemplate life. The kind of song that gets sung by sweet, saccharine smiles in the back of a friend’s car. The kind of song that plays during a first kiss, or a conversation ending it all. The late Dick Clark once said, “Music is the soundtrack to our lives.” It symbolizes the person we are, the values we hold near, and the many trials we go through. 

Here are the soundtracks of some of Timpview’s students’ lives: 

Duncan Strong – Spirit by Judah & The Lion

“We all have this spirit with us. The spirit that, you know, helps us not give up and always keep trying.” says Junior Duncan Strong. Throughout the movie of his life, this song has helped guide Duncan as he navigates the many trials in his journey. It reminds him to stay positive, and remember his worth. “Whenever I’m feeling really down and I keep messing up, that’s the song I listen to. It reminds me that I can’t give up, because if I give up there’s no point.” The many struggles and challenges that Duncan faces only make him stronger. They are a test of his willpower, and they act as a barrier that he must overcome in order to achieve greatness as a true hero. This song has helped Duncan understand that, “Stories without a few letdowns are boring when told”, and it defines every hard moment that Duncan has overcome in his life. 

Ella Obidi – Good Days by SZA

Oftentimes, the most defining moments in our lives come from our lowest moments of despair. When Timpview Sophomore Ella Obidi first listened to “Good Days”, by SZA, it “was one of the most life changing moments of [her] life.” Ella explains how the songs many “sounds and melodies,” as well as its “lyrics of like ‘good days’” gave her hope during the despair of the Covid-19 pandemic. For Ella, this song has been a testament to the importance of endeavoring through the many trials of the endless night. It is a reminder that despite the constant pain and fear that covers our world like a night sky, it is important to persevere, and that as long as we keep fighting, “good days are in store.” 

Beckham Gerstner – Winter by Yabadum

“I don’t want to be in some boring office job for the rest of my life.” says Timpview sophomore Beckham Gerstner. Creativity has always been a must in Beckham’s life. He dreams of a world where he can tell stories, and “create something to inspire other people.” For Beckham, the song “Winter” by Yabadum has always been his muse. “I really like it’s creativity and overall beauty, and it makes me want to become a more creative person.” Beckham is constantly trying to inspire others, and this song continually reminds him of his quest to create beauty within the soundtracks of his life and the lives of others.

Sean Yamada (me) – Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

For me, the soundtrack of my life has always been “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. The song gives a life to Los Angeles, “the city of angels”, and it explores isolation and loneliness through lyrics like, “Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a partner”. I love this song because whenever I feel alone, it makes the city around me feel alive. I feel the countless emotions and memories experienced by the people who once stood where I do now. The song is comforting because it makes me feel like the city around me has my back, and “as lonely as I am, together we cry”. 

Every day we are constantly adding new notes to the overall symphony of our soundtracks. An intense moment of victory, a despairing breakup, or the meeting of a best friend, all of these moments have so much meaning in our lives, and what makes it so beautiful is that we often create these moments together. Our soundtracks are constantly intertwining, many of them sharing choruses while others play against each other in contrasting keys. That’s what it means to create a relationship with someone. It’s experiencing the lowest of lows and the highest of highs with the people we love, and being a part of their soundtrack. It’s experiencing each other’s pain, and getting a glimpse of each other’s beauty as well. To me, that is the most impactful thing you can do.