Since age six, I’ve played with pride,
A violin always at my side.
On a full ride, I chased my dream,
A music degree, a lifelong theme.

First generation, I stood tall,
Yet music alone did not fill all.
I searched for more to make me whole,
Accounting now fulfills that goal.

A student full time, I work as well,
With Army duties that stories tell.
Discipline guides me through each test,
In every task I give my best.

Threads of passion, numbers, and fight,
Balance my days and fuel my night.
From strings to studies, from stage to field,
My drive, my heart, will not be sealed.

And now I stand with dreams in hand,
Prepared to lead, to learn, to plan.
Through work, through study, through service true,
I find my harmony in all I do.

Through trials faced and pain endured,
tribulations I have matured.
An Army injury could not make me fall
With strength and faith, I overcome all.

Zy’Kirria Simpson