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Fortunate Son, by Creedence Clearwater Revival - because it reminds me of my brother serving as an MP in the Vietnam War. As a toddler, as a little girl, this rocked me to my core.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son

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How Great Thou Art, sung by anyone -

Reminds me of my mom. It was her favorite song, and she sang it daily while she was working and mothering and living life.

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Carrie Underwood - How Great Thou Art (Official Performance Video)

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Don't Stop Believin' by Journey - because it was the first concert I ever attended in my whole entire life! I was a freshman at Texas State (then Southwest Texas State) in the Fall of 1983, and I attended this concert in San Antonio. .38 Special opened for Journey, it was the first time in my life I smelled marijuana, the excitement of the arena was palpable, and it completely shocked the sensibilities of this small-town girl who had never experienced such a thing in her life! :)

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Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)

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Made for This, by Carrollton.

I am pretty sure I listened to this song a minimum of 35 times the morning I defended my dissertation, as I drove from San Angelo to Abilene.

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Carrollton - Made For This (Lyric Video)

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https://youtu.be/mHD7ejJk0jM?feature=shared

This song was played at house parties growing up, whether birthday parties, holiday parties at my parent's house or when we went to their friend's houses. There is no meaning behind it, they are literally singing about a beeper, but it is so upbeat and fast paced, it was always a song we danced to. You can't help but be in a cheerful mood after listening to it. I play this song at least once a week still. It sets the mood/tone for me before a workout, or helps me re-energize when I feel like giving up. When I have a lot on my plate to do, focusing and getting the energy to start is all it takes sometimes and music like this helps give me that push.

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This is a song that was constantly replayed during college days. Everyone sang along to it. An upbeat, contagious, happy song that lifts my mood, it's a reminder to be positive and carefree. Undergrad was tough for me because I was away from home and I couldn't see family as often as I would have liked to. The group of friends I had throughout undergrad were like my second family. Without their support, I would have been lost. I remember our group ending our last classes for the week Thursday afternoons and getting together to put the difficulty of that week's coursework behind us. In a way, this song served as a reminder of the need for balance and have fun. Something that as an adult I've found has been difficult to separate work from personal life, but I continue to work on.

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The Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling (Official Music Video)

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I've listened to Marc Anthony since childhood. The music reminds me of my childhood when my parents threw parties for our birthdays or holidays, or when we went over to close friend's houses and celebrated. This song came out right after a major life change, and it helped me see the positive, and to stay positive. It reminded me that the difficult issues I'd gone through were over, I made it past them and was on a better path. This song is on my workout playlist, and I definitely replay this several times a week. It helps me turn my mood around and re-focus on what's important - to enjoy life.

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Marc Anthony - Vivir Mi Vida (Official Video)

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I heard this song on the Insecure show (watched a couple of years ago). I was hooked instantly, it is so upbeat and uplifting. I came across it at a time when I felt stuck at work, and when I finally got my dream job, I felt so validated and strong. Some of the lyrics in the song are "To reach that upper level, Your mind, body and soul must be one, It's a sacrifice, it takes hard work." I couldn't agree more. It supports how I've approached getting through obstacles and the need for positive thinking. There will always be things that happen, or plans that change. However, perseverance and aligning your actions with your goals will help you get to where you want to go.

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My mom used to play this along with many other songs early Saturday mornings growing up. She used to come into me and my sister's room to wake us up as she began to clean the house. As annoying as it was to get woken up at 7am on a Saturday, listening to this and the others reminds me of those days and always puts a smile on my face. The song is about living and enjoying life. There will be bad/tough moments in life, but everything will pass in time. It's on my workout list so I listen to this at least twice a week. It's uplifting, and when I feel down it always reminds me to keep going and not give up.

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Celia Cruz - La Vida Es Un Carnaval (Audio)

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This was favorite childhood song. It was mainly a get excited song before any sporting event I played in. It also resonates with me because it pushed me to see every moment as an opportunity and to not let fear hold me back

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During undergrad, this song resonated because it captured the uncertainty of finding my place

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B.o.B - Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) [Official Video]

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This is probably my favorite song of all time. This song resonates with me because I think to some extent we all battle with letting people see the real you. We have fear of being misunderstood or less than. This song shaped how I value authenticity.

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Goo Goo Dolls - Iris (Live in Buffalo, NY, 7/4/2004) [Official Video]

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Pat Green is one of my favorite artists. His song writing style is something I find great connection to. The song Wave on Wave reminds me to find calm in the chaos that keeps me grounded.

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Pat Green - Wave On Wave (Official Music Video)

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This song resonates deeply because it reminds me of the birth of my daughter in 2022. It reminds me to cherish each moment and embrace the joy of the present. It also reminds me of a quote from my favorite tv show "The Office" "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them."

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Cory Asbury- These Are The Days (Official Lyric Video)

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Friends in Low Places, by Garth Brooks is one of my favorite childhood songs. While probably not appropriate for a kid to be singing about friends drinking in bars, it was one that I enjoyed through my childhood. There was a core group of us friends that enjoyed Garth Brooks and we all loved this song…to the point we sang it as a group on a class project in elementary school.

However it does make me think back to reflect on those friendships and relationships that we have as children through adulthood and the impacts those relationships have on us and who we are today as individuals.

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From my undergrad days I loved Till I Collapse by Eminem. This song represented grind, grit and determination to me to make it through long days and hard work to win. The song and beat always cause me to pick up a notch to push to the next level.

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One song I have always played whether it’s to work out, get focused or just get me out of a funk is Eye of the Tiger.

Rocky is a story about grit, fighting and getting back up to do it again and this song is a reminder of that life story!

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Another song that I would be sad that I did not have is The Blessing by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. While this is a newer song, this song speaks to my personal beliefs, a life prayer and reminds me of biblical promises.

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The Blessing with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Live From Elevation Ballantyne | Elevation Worship

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Another song that I would be sad to be without is American Soldier by Toby Keith. This song resonates because my grandfather was a WWII vet (participating in D-Day and at the signing of the peace treaty on the USS Missouri), my dad and uncles were also Vietnam vets. I had other family members who have served so this reminds me of what has shaped me and my family and to be reminded and thankful for those who sacrifice and give to protect us and our freedoms.

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My Grandparents raised me and Tejano music was a staple in our household. This was one of my Grandmother’s favorite songs to do pretty much anything to - cook, clean, you name it. We danced to it in the kitchen almost every Sunday after family dinner. Every time I hear this song, I am whisked away to the small house on a corner lot with the tiniest kitchen where we ate so much good food, laughed, celebrated birthdays, and danced with each other. There I felt safe and loved.

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The “first time,” I was in undergrad, this song played all the time. I used to love singing it in the car during roadtrips. Later on, I realized how much I identified with the subject. I grew up in a traditional Mexican-American home with very Catholic grandparents, so sometimes I felt like I was, “living in captivity.” The song was fun and catchy and helped me to process that aspect of my young adult life.

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The “second time,” I was in undergrad, the movie “Suicide Squad,” was in theaters. I had just heard a lecture from a professor about applying Joseph Campbell’s a Hero’s Journey to comic book heroes, so I contemplated the lyrics a lot. It was also when I started jiu jitsu. I remember listening to everyone else’s stories about why they started training which also informed my thoughts on the song. For me this song talks about people with different traumas, how it is misperceived or goes unprocessed.

I always explain my undergrad days in terms of "the first time," and the "second time." Not sure why, but it makes sense to me!

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twenty one pilots: Heathens (from Suicide Squad: The Album) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

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This song speaks to my soul on many different levels. For the most part, I think it’s a song about grief - processing what happened and learning it is okay to move on. Gives me chills.

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Iridescent [Official Music Video] - Linkin Park

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This song has been covered so many times, but John Cale’s version is my most favorite. Listening to it helps me stop the noise of the world. I tend to need to hear when I am stuck in my head and need to work my way out.

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When I have to dig really deep and do things I never would have dreamed I would need to do, I play this song. Helps me focus, keeps me motivated.

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Remember The Name (Official Video) - Fort Minor

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Eminem said, "you only get one shot," don’t waste it. So, when that opportunity you've been waiting for presents itself, you better hustle like your life depends on it. Helps me mentally prep for whatever it is I am trying to do, especially when I am not too sure I can do it.

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As corny as it may seem, one of my childhood songs is the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song. Back in elementary school, I was still learning English, and this was one of the cartoons my parents played on repeat to help me pick up words and phrases. Of course, I also watched plenty of other classic cartoons, but I highlight this one because, as you can imagine, it left a lasting mark—I eventually grew into a full-on Disney adult. So yes, this song represents not only a part of my language-learning journey but also a piece of who I am today.

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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Theme Song | @disneyjr

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One song that was always on my playlist, at parties, or on the radio during undergrad was Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez. Honestly, the song isn’t about school or finals, but after having my senior year at home because of COVID (2021) and then starting college online (2021-2023) with so much uncertainty, the words ‘calm down’ felt like a little reminder to just breathe. It was peaceful and chill, the kind of vibe that helped me feel grounded when everything else felt up in the air. That’s probably why it ended up being my undergrad soundtrack in a way.

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“Proud of Me" is a song I can’t live without because it captures a feeling I’ve carried even after undergrad: the weight of always striving while wondering if it’s ever enough. I started my higher education early through a dual-enrollment program, began my first full-time higher ed job at 17, and had my first corporate role in the oil and gas industry by 19. Often, I was the youngest person in the room—the only Gen Z—and although there were often kind people, I sometimes felt out of place. It wasn’t the environment itself; it was the quiet comparison to my peers of the same age and the sense that I was missing parts of a ‘normal’ college or young adult experience. That tension hit me every time I heard the lyrics, “All I wanted was to grow up / But growing up has got the better half of me.” It felt like the song understood how having to mature and grow up quicker can take pieces of you that others your age are still discovering.

And then there’s the line, “Would my seventeen-year-old self be proud of me?”—a question I return to constantly. Even as I finish milestones earlier than most and move forward in my career, I sometimes feel the ache of being ahead while feeling behind in other ways. This song lets me sit with that sadness, with the isolation, with the sacrifices, and still recognize my growth. So it is not a song about victory, but really a song about being human, reflection, and being able to quietly learn to appreciate our paths, even if they don't look like anyone else's.

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Alexander Stewart - proud of me (Official Audio)

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No further explanation here lol, this is my number one karaoke song. Don’t even let me see a mic when this comes on, it’s over. I just can’t help but sing along every single time.

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Honestly, Todo de Ti by Rauw Alejandro is just my favorite. It’s one of the first songs I really got into from him, and it always puts me in a good mood. Yeah, I know reggaeton isn’t what it used to be—back in the day it was all Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Wisin & Yandel (I enjoy them as well)—but still, this is my favorite. I’d honestly put all of Rauw Alejandro’s songs here if I could, haha!

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Rauw Alejandro - Todo De Ti (Clean Version)

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La Vida Es Un Carnaval by Celia Cruz was constantly played at every cookout, quinceañera, wedding, or party I attended. My family would always have a cookout on Sundays, and my grandpa would blast music with this song being a constant addition to the playlists. As I got older, I would attend more quinceañeras and parties that my friends would tell me to go request the song with the DJ. My friends would call it their song with me, so I would constantly hear, "Go request our song." This song reminds me of how it connected my family during our Sundays to connecting with my friends at celebrations. This encouraged many smiles and dancing.

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A tradition with this song was through junior ROTC. We would gather into a kumbaya circle and embrace each other side-by-side. As the song would play, we would sway and sing along at the top of our lungs. At every ROTC event, we did this as a tradition. It brought us closer together as a team and built morale.

Also, Tragos Amargos reminds me of how much I used to sing along to it and pretend to play the accordion when I was younger. I would tell my tio that he needs to get me an air accordion t-shirt from the flea market. Sadly, to this day, he has not gotten me one. No worries, I still play my air accordion when I hear this song!

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This song was played at every party! I remember college students jumping up and down when the beat dropped, shouting, "Now they always say congratulations." I did it, too. I feel like this is a go-to song that students use when they graduate to say they did it. I definitely did when I graduated with my Bachelor's and Master's. I can happily say I have seen Post Malone perform this live in concert, and it reminded me of graduation and all the achievements.

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Post Malone - Congratulations (Official Music Video) ft. Quavo

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The first time I heard this song was when I watched the Barbie movie in the theaters. The scene was showing a montage of women with this as the background song. It was a powerful scene that brought my friend and me to tears. I had this song on repeat afterwards, and it gave me the same chills as the first listen. It is a vulnerable song, and I have seen it be used for powerful messages. It is a reminder of purpose and calling. It is okay not to know what you were made for, but every person has a purpose in life.

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Billie Eilish - What Was I Made For? (Official Music Video)

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Debí Tirar Más Fotos is a reminder to take more pictures and videos with your loved ones. Cherishing the moments, memories, and the surroundings. I hear this song, and it makes me feel nostalgic. I am the person who will record everything, take pictures, and keep every souvenir that will remind me of the event or person to look back on and enjoy. I share the stories and memories with others and appreciate it now while I can.

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This is my favorite song and I can never get tired of this song. It has a vibe of living life to the fullest and taking action to make the person happy. It has alternative meanings of use that I do not suggest, but I interpret this song as doing what is best for your overall happiness. Living with no regrets and serving for your purpose. This song puts into perspective to make sure I do what makes me happy and be unapologetically me when doing it. It is a feel-good song that I like to listen to with the windows down and the volume up.

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Kid Cudi - Pursuit Of Happiness (Official Music Video) ft. MGMT

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I was raised in the church by my mom, and this song captures that season of my life. It reminds me of countless Sundays spent in worship, as well as the moments when I leaned on Jesus during difficult times. This song truly sums up my childhood faith and foundation.

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The Rance Allen Group - Something About the Name Jesus (Audio)

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This song represents the culture of my undergrad years. My friends and I would spend hours freestyling to beats like this, and it reflects a time when I was trying to find myself outside of home and church. Screwed and chopped music originated in Houston, and artists like Z-Ro, Lil Flip, Scarface, Bun B, and Slim Thug shaped that scene. This song takes me back to those years of searching, growing, and defining my identity.

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Z-Ro- Mo City Don (Clean) (OFFICIAL FIRST CLEAN VERSION ON YOUTUBE!!!)

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This song reminds me never to forget what God has done and continues to do. No matter how hard life gets, there is always something to thank Him for. Every time I hear it, my spirit shifts toward gratitude and worship.

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Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers - For Every Mountain

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This track keeps me young at heart. It’s full of energy and good vibes, reminding me of carefree days with friends and family. Sometimes leadership and life can feel heavy, and this song is a reminder to let loose, laugh, and enjoy the moment.

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Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera (Official Music Video) ft. Christina Aguilera

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This one is like a shot of nostalgia. It brings me back to simpler times and also reminds me how far I’ve come. It speaks to the tension of growing older, carrying responsibilities, and still longing for the innocence of childhood.

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twenty one pilots: Stressed Out [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

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This song reminds me that life is short and moments pass quickly. It takes me back to my college graduation and my first job at Channel 39 in Houston. I was working in the creative services department, and this song often played in the background of promos we produced. At that time, I thought $28,000 was a lot of money, and I was just thrilled to be working in television. This song carries the energy, excitement, and hope of that season in my life.

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I spent most of my childhood outdoors, until Hannah Montana was on the TV. As a small-town girl myself, I connected deeply with her story and felt, in some way, that I too could be a rockstar. Watching her journey unfold over the years was inspiring. The show didn’t just entertain me; it shaped how I saw myself. Hannah Montana taught me to embrace confidence, be social, and act with boldness, while also recognizing the importance of listening to parents and, at times, challenging authority for the sake of curiosity and the greater good.

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Choosing to attend college in the same town where I grew up turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. Josh Abbott captured the exact feeling I experienced; those memories and achievements were truly earned. At Texas Tech, I poured myself into every opportunity, driven by a passion for involvement and pride in university. This song became a reminder of what Texas Tech represents: the determination to prove our place as something more than just the “little brother” to larger Texas schools. It symbolizes the grit and work ethic I developed throughout my undergraduate years, qualities that ultimately enabled me to pursue and complete three majors in five years.

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This song has become something of a personal motto for me, its message of resilience reminds me that challenges can shape us for the better. What doesn’t kill you only makes you… BLONDER!!! Whenever I am feeling discouraged, I turn to this song, and without fail, it lifts my spirits and helps me regain perspective.

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This song reminds me that here in the South Plains there is something for everyone, and all kinds of people. Who can all come together, and they can both disagree and agree with one another.

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"Golden Dream" from The American Adventure at Epcot

I was a Disney kid, in a Disney family, growing up. I watched all the full-length animated films, the live-action films, the cartoons, and was blessed to go to Disneyland several times since I was from Las Vegas. Weekends were often a family trip to the local Blockbuster to rent the latest Disney flick or pick up a oldie but goodie.

When I was in my tween years, my family took a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida for the first time. I fell in love with two attractions: 1. The American Experience at Epcot and 2. The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom. I nerded out on the patriotism and history in both. These attractions are still my favorites...along with the Haunted Mansion. I can sing this song from memory, just like I can recite the entirety of the Haunted Mansion sequence, including an ear peircing scream, as you head down in the stretching room to the "Doom Buggies"...but I digress. "Golden Dream" brings up special memories from the innocence of being a wide-eyed, optimistic kid. As an adult, I tear up a bit now when I hear this song because of all the promise it describes for our country and its people.

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Golden Dream (From "The American Adventure")

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This song is fairly new, but it arrived at exactly the right moment in my life. As I watch my friends move in different directions, its message encourages me to stay true to myself and remain grounded in my beliefs. It reminds me to trust that everything will unfold in God’s timing and according to His plan.

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Max McNown - Better Me For You (Brown Eyes) (Official Performance Video)

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Britney Spears gets a lot of bad press, but she was once a huge pop star who had people of all walks of life mesmerized by her entertaining presence. This song is formative for me because this song was the first to draw me into my deep love for her. In her earlier days, her confidence, kindness, and magnetism inspired me to be a woman who holds herself the same way. I learned every dance to her songs by watching music videos, live performances I captured by setting up my camcorder at the TV at just the right time MTV was playing music videos, and even.... her video game. I was obsessed. She still means everything to me currently. I will continue to listen to this song forever.

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Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time (Official Video)

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This song had me falling in love with the Russian language. I taught myself how to read/write the Cyrillic alphabet and Russian in middle school. I also took Russian for 3 semesters in college. Due to this, my ex-husband who was in the military decided to move to Alaska to be near birch trees and a stone's throw away from Russia. I would be utterly devastated if I could not hear this song. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but it transports me into a different state of being.

This song portrays a same-sex couple that is cast away and frowned upon by society. However, they choose the love they share together above the need to please others around them. I live my life and have made many decisions in my life in the same way. I respect others who make decisions according to their own preferences and desires. I also value people who speak, sing, look, and act different than I do, such as t.A.T.u. Their music brings many of us all together.

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"On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Joncas

When I was young, my family went to church, but often in fits and starts. Certainly, we were the stereotypical "C & E" Catholics. My parents, however, ensured my brother, sister, and I attended every year of Catechism. In the end, though, I was the only one of the three of us that followed through with Confirmation as a sophomore in high school. When I was a senior in high school, my best friend Wendy and her family allowed me to attend church regualrly with them and I became a regular for Saturday mass.

Fast forward to my freshman year in college, I continued my regular church attendance. I didn't have Wendy around to invite me along; I made my own deliberate decision to make nurturing my faith a priority for my life. I went so far as to work for the Newman House, Catholic Center, on campus - I did the financials and built the bulletin every week. I am blessed to have my faith and God's love - He has been with me through all the good and bad...without my faith in God, I'm not sure I'd be where I am today. This song remains my favorite song to sing at mass...and I found it as I deliberately decided for myself to grow in my faith.

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This song is a summation of my childhood. It brings me right back to every weekend as a kid with family over for a cookout. These moments are the best because time with my family created core memories and bonds that will keep our connections strong forever. I still do not understand what he is saying because I do not understand Spanish, but the words are ingrained in my brain.

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"Live Forever" by Oasis

This was an end of high school, angsty song that I played on repeat and on blast as I drove around Vegas. The lyrics are perfect for a kid who is still trying to figure out who and what they are going to be...and believing they are invincible and can live forever.

As I reflect on the lyrics of this song that I return to often, I can still feel some of the uncertainty of the future from those high school years. I also realize that uncertainty still exists each and everyday no matter how much we think we control in this life. It's ultimately in God's hands.

I also think this song resonnated with me because my biggest fear in life is insignificance...I still want to "live forever."

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Oasis - Live Forever (Official Video - US Version)

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Bad Guy by Billie Eilish is just such a great song. It means so much to me because it was my favorite during a time when I needed to feel stronger and empowered. This song invigorated these feelings within me. It also was my favorite song during the time I was seeing someone who suddenly died in a car crash. This person meant so much to me because I had known him since we were in Elementary school. Now, when I hear this song I am reminded of the time we were on the verge of a possible long-term relationship and it reminds me of what was possible for a brief moment.

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This song literally carried me through the newborn and infancy stages with my son. Just the first second of this song immediately pulls me right back to being in the trenches, but also being so in love with a little new bundle. It gives me immense strength, motivation, and nostalgia that I instantly turn into super mom it feels like.

This song has also taken the world over. I have seen this song be performed at a college sports game by the school's band. The amount of commitment to successfully execute that by their band shows the pull the song and show has on so many people.

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"The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

"A republic, if you can keep it." - Benjamin Franklin

I believe so fully in the ideals of our nation and the tenets of the Constitution. If I couldn't find this song anymore, then that might mean we couldn't fulfill Benjamin Franklin's warning that democratic republics require not only the consent of the people, but also are dependent on the active and informed involvment of the people.

Back to my patriotism, as I have gotten older, I tear up most times when I hear "The Star Spangled Banner." Probably because I'm old, maybe because I know the price paid to maintain our freedoms, and likely because I know I will leave the military at some point in the nearer future.

I chose this version because I think Whitney Houston sang it the best...

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When the going gets tough, this song gets me going...

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When the going gets tough, this song gets me going...

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"I can do it with a broken heart" - Taylor Swift

I could have picked any number of Taylor Swift songs..."The Man," Look what you made me do," "Karma," "Anti-Hero," "Who's afraid of little old me?," "The New Romantics..." TSwift seems to release songs at exactly the time I need them.

Over the last year, I went through some thorny issues. I was angry. I was scared. I was frustrated. I was sad. I wasn't sure if I'd keep my job from day to day. This song, while a typical TSwift break-up / unrequited love number. However, I envisioned the song was describing my situation (which had nothing to do with relationship issues). It descibed being at the top of my game on the outside while I am quietly and personally battling the demons no one can see. Everyone sees the professional, the highly competent leader while I am just trying to get through the next meeting and back to my office to break down.

Sounds super dramatic and it felt that way sometimes. In the end though, my Taylor playlist was my outlet for my adulting angst and probably kept me sane.

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Taylor Swift - I Can Do It With a Broken Heart (Official Lyric Video)

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As the oldest grandchild and being raised by a teen mom, a lot of my early memories surrounded going to my grandmother's house in order to spend the afternoon and sometimes weekends with her. Without fail, I would always wake up on Sundays when we were cleaning the house to this song, and it has become one of the songs that I will always listen to when it comes on because it brings me closer to my grandmother.

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I feel this song kicked off my college experience as it was my sophomore year and my first year as a Resident Assistant. We did this as part of our Townhall, but this is also the same year that I was recognized as RA of the year, and I started dating my now wife. It's also the year I fell in love with higher education because I was doing programming, and I felt that I was leaving a lasting impact on the residents I was serving. I still think back to our roll call with this song and how much fun I had doing it, and that's the experience I want for the students I interact with.

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This is one of those songs that, no matter the playlist, I will always have it on there. It reminds me of the first time that I heard it at Six Flags San Antonio when I was 15, being performed by a cover band. When listening to it, it reminds me of simpler times and allows me to just breathe a little bit. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder to enjoy the smaller things in life as we never know when we may not have them.

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Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried (Official Music Video) | The Foundation

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This is a classic song all throughout my high school years, and into college, it was a song I loved singing. I have always been a hopeless romantic, and I feel that this song just encompasses my vibes. The reason I can't live without this song is that it is the song I first showed and sang to my now wife, and it is the song she walked down the aisle to.

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Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

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I’ve always been a dreamer, and since I was a kid, this song spoke to me. It inspired me, especially during times when I felt like a small fish in a big pond. Moments like starting high school, beginning college, landing my first “big girl” job, and joining this program. It helps me reset my mindset and prepare to step into new challenges. I also LOVE the movie The Princess Diaries 2. My mom and I quote it often, and this song was featured in it.

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 Undergrad – Mix (Pitch Perfect – Price Tag, Hey Mama – David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, It’s Going Down for Real, Light Em Up)

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 Undergrad – Mix (Pitch Perfect – Price Tag, Hey Mama – David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, It’s Going Down for Real, Light Em Up)

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When I started college, I auditioned for and joined a show choir called the Treble Thrivers. Dance and music were passions of mine, and I was excited to continue with them in college. Just a few weeks into my freshman year, we had a performance at a major campus event, the kickoff to basketball season, which was always well attended. I volunteered to mix the music and even co-choreographed the performance.

I’m reluctantly posting the video here because Tony stole my other cherished undergrad song (LOL). Anytime I hear a song from this mix, I smile because it truly shaped my college experience. For a while, I couldn’t wear red on campus because people would recognize me as “the split girl.” Watching the video now makes me smile, thinking about the late-night rehearsals and the nerves leading up to the event.

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UTRGV Treble Thrivers Midnight Madness 2015

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 Song I Can’t Live Without #1 – So Small by Carrie Underwood

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 Song I Can’t Live Without #1 – So Small by Carrie Underwood

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This song means so much to me. I tend to overthink little things, and the lyrics help calm me down. When babysitting my nieces and nephews, I would hum it as a lullaby to help them fall asleep. I hope that one day they’ll understand the weight of the lyrics and find comfort in knowing that love matters above all else, and that sometimes the solutions we seek are already within us.

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Carrie Underwood - So Small (Official Video)

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Song I Can’t Live Without #2 – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Any Glee Version)

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Song I Can’t Live Without #2 – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Any Glee Version)

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I would be devastated if I never heard Don’t Stop Believin’ again, especially any version from Glee. This show and this song are a comfort unlike any other. It always lifts me up when I’m feeling overwhelmed, but it can also bring out my emotions when I’m feeling closed off or hardened. I’m linking a video with every Glee version of the song because they covered it multiple times, and the final one brings me to tears every time.

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Glee - All "Don't Stop Believing" Performances

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Song I Can’t Live Without #3 – Neon Moon

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Song I Can’t Live Without #3 – Neon Moon

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This one is hard to explain because it has nothing to do with the lyrics and everything to do with tradition. Ever since I can remember, at every wedding, Sweet 16, dance, or celebration, this song was played. Even if the dance floor was quiet all night, this was the song that got every couple up to dance. I don’t know how it started or why it’s this particular song.

When I was younger, I used to think, “I can’t wait to find someone so I always have someone to dance to this song with, just like my parents.” Fast forward quite a few years, and now I always stop whatever I’m doing to head to the dance floor with this song and my forever partner. I think I’d be devastated if I couldn’t do that again because there’s truly no other song like it.

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Brooks & Dunn - Neon Moon (Official Audio)

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When it comes to those around me, I always make sure that I am there for them, regardless of how hard it may be. I will put myself in positions that aren't always the easiest to get out of if that means I can help. My rule of thumb is that we are never truly alone, and if someone ever feels lonely, they can always reach out because we shouldn't have to go through things alone.

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This song came out in 1991, I was young but I remember this song so much because my father owned a blue night club in Jackson, Ms. He had Tyrone Davis perform but this was the song he used to play in the car with me. In Mississippi we love blue music. Even today when I listen to this song today, it re-connects me with my father and I just dance away like I did when I was a little girl. In my culture Blues Music just does something to your soul.

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This song is about losing a loved one and missing them, while holding on to the hope that one day you’ll be together again to continue a love that was cut short. For me, it carries a very personal meaning. I had a difficult childhood, and my mother was often sad. A story far too long to tell here. I hadn’t heard this song again since she passed away in 2021, but I can still vividly remember her singing it over and over.

There weren’t many smiles or celebrations in my childhood. We lived in poverty, which pushed me to start working at the age of eight, running errands for neighbors and local stores in Mexico. I had to grow up quickly, and I learned the weight of sadness far too soon. Still, what’s most striking is that, despite all of it, I would give anything to hear her sing this song just one more time.

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I’m a huge fan of Linkin Park, and to this day, I still listen to all their songs. Whenever I put their music on, I can zone into my work and somehow concentrate better. There’s something soothing about their sound, and I’ve always found the lyrics deeply relatable. They’re truly such a great band.

One of my biggest regrets is missing their Dallas concert in 2003. I had already bought the ticket, but a family emergency kept me from going. I still think about that moment, wishing I had been there.

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Live In Texas (Full) [HD UPGRADE] - Linkin Park

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This song came out the year I graduated with my undergrad. I love a great empowerment song for women. It's motivational, inspiring and you can rock your hips to it. It makes you feel invincible. Plus in the song, she says "let me raise my glass for the college grads"!

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Beyoncé - Run the World (Girls) (Official Video)

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I really enjoy music that carries a message I can relate to. This particular song has always reminded me that it’s okay to be different. It resonates with my own experience of living with a disability and the times I’ve wished I could be “normal.” Even so, I’ve learned to find happiness and have many reasons to be content with my life. It truly is a great song.

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Radiohead - Creep (Best live performance)

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This song is a must on my playlist because it takes me back to conversations I had with my mother when I was young. She made it a point to teach me the kind of man I shouldn’t become. Listening to this song reminds me of those lessons she instilled in me, lessons that I now pass on to my children.

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This is a song I can’t live without because it was my wedding song. It’s so special to me because I had the chance to dance to it with the love of my life. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have someone who truly loves me, regardless of my disabilities.

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Rascal Flatts - Bless The Broken Road (Live)

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I have an eclectic taste in music, I just love great music in all its forms. Since I already touched on the rock side above, I have to say I truly enjoy Doo-Wop, Soul, R&B, and Reggae. Honestly, I can’t see myself choosing just one song. Anytime I hear Al Green, The Manhattans, or The Temptations, it’s pure feel-good music. I also enjoy Country, Rap, Reggaeton, and, of course, Mexican music. Here is just one of the songs that I can't live without.

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Al Green - Tired of Being Alone (Official Audio)

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This was a song I first listened to and realized the violin was not only a classical instrument, but also could be so powerful as in this song, it's used to deliver a message all about breaking free from the restraints. The music video also always gives chills.

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Lindsey Stirling - Shatter Me ft. Lzzy Hale (Official Music Video)

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This song by Lauryn Hill Zion is a song about giving birth to her first son and how many thought her life would change negatively. I had my son at 16 and I remember the same whispers as a young mother. It's a love letter from a mother to her first son and I dedicated this song to my son Jalin and how proud I am not only of him but the strength he provided me to accomplish goals in ways that seemed impossible.

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‘I AM WOMAN’ is the song I play when life tries to dim my light. It reminds me that I’m powerful, resilient, and unstoppable. When I hear it, I straighten my back, lift my chin, and remember who I am. I recently won the Dallas Business Journal 40 Under 40 award, and I chose this song as my walk-in for the acceptance. It carried the energy I wanted the room to feel the moment I stepped on stage to speak!

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Why I Love You’ by MAJOR. will always be the most meaningful song of my life. It played as I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend, Kia... the most intentional partner I could have ever prayed for. What made that moment even more unforgettable was that my son walked me down the aisle, and at the end, my father gave me away. My father was 50 years old when I was born, and as a little girl, I had one wish and that he would live long enough to be there on my wedding day, just like he had been for all my sisters. That day was a dream fulfilled. That song, that moment, and that love embodied every layer of protection, legacy, and joy I’ve ever known.

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I grew up in an Independent Fundamental Baptist church and we were only allowed to listen to, sing or play church music. No dancing, no cussing, definitely no drinking. Women weren't allowed to wear pants. You get the picture. I'm sure you can imagine, looking back on that time, how lucky I feel that my parents got out of that mess. Needless to say I had a lot of deconstructing to do considering how my formative years were influenced.

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The Old Rugged Cross - Alan Jackson - Lyrics

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Audio Adrenaline and DC Talk were the best thing that ever happened to oppressed teenagers growing up in a fundamentalist religious cult. You mean it's a real band with an actual drummer and electric guitars? What? Once DC Talk made church music "cool" and I moved out of the house it was like the whole world of music opened up. It's like waking up one day as an adult who had never tasted chocolate cake. Can you imagine. Think if you had missed all of 90's country! or 80's pop! or the birth of hiphop for heaven's sake (which is where I was taught I wouldn't get to go if I listened to it).

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"Hold the door, say please, say thank you" seems missing from today's culture. More humility and more kindness wouldn't be a bad thing.

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Tim McGraw - Humble And Kind (Official Music Video)

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There are so many things to take away from the greatest showman. "A man learns who is there for him when the glitter fades and the walls won't hold". There are only a handful of people that any person has in their life that will be there no matter what happens to them. I have those people, and I am eternally grateful.

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The Greatest Showman Cast - From Now On (Official Audio)

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Jason Mraz captured everything that I wished for all of my students over the past 25 years of public education. "May the road less paved be the road that you follow". I worked hard to inspire my students and then eventually my teachers when I became a principal. That passion came from a deep genuine desire to see the people in my realm of influence as they began to be able to do things they were not able to do before. "Oh, may the best of your todays be the worst of your tommorows."

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The moment I stood staring at my oldest daughter seconds after she was born, I was overcome with the undeniable realization that my life was forever altered in the most profound way. One of the first things that came into my head was that I didn't want to miss a moment of her life. She was 4 years old when this song was written. Over the years it reminded me to stay committed to fighting off all the things that would distract and pull me away. I won a lot. I don't have a ton of videos any of my three kids because I lived in the moment. I saw everything with my own eyes and not through a screen. The memories come screaming back into my mind of the look on her 5 year old face when she saw the flowers I brought to her dance recital, my son's 3 year old adamant defensive of his theory that Santa Claus was actually dad, and my youngest daughter's 7th grade band concert where she played drumset far better than any of us knew she could. I refuse to blink. I will do more than spectate. I will participate all the way to the end.

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Kenny Chesney - Don't Blink (Official Video)

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SUPERBLOOM, by MisterWives -

Several years ago, I had a brush with breast cancer. During our summer session, I had a lumpectomy on June 10, followed by radiation treatments. One of my students during that summer session knew I loved music and sent this song to me. First of all, because she took the time to send me this song - that was such a profound act of kindness and caring, connecting humanity.  It indelibly touched my soul.  Second, the lyrics were really quite applicable and relevant.  I will forever love this song.

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MisterWives - SUPERBLOOM (Official Visualizer)