Music and Me

 September 13th 2025 

       Hey, my name is Isaac Gilmore. I’m twenty-one years old, and I’m a part of the Men’s Track and Field program here at Converse. Being on the team is a big part of who I am because sports have always given me discipline, structure, and a way to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. Track is not just a sport for me, but a lifestyle that has helped me stay focused, competitive, and goal-driven. The lessons I’ve learned on the track about patience, hard work, and consistency carry over into every part of my life. Family is also something that has shaped me. I have about seven siblings combined between both of my parents. Growing up in a big family has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of supporting each other even when things aren’t perfect. I also experienced a tough loss when my brother, who was around the same age as me, passed away a long time ago. That loss still impacts me today, but it also motivates me to make the most of my opportunities. I try to live in a way that would make him proud, and that experience has deepened my appreciation for family and for life itself. Something people notice about me is that I genuinely care for others. I want people around me to be the best version of themselves, and I try to encourage them whenever I can. I think that comes from my grandmother and my mother. I grew up mostly around my grandmother, and she played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. She’s the reason I’m so caring and compassionate. She showed me what it looks like to put family first and to always give love and support, even when life gets hard. I call myself a “grandma’s baby” because I really am I carry a lot of her spirit with me everywhere I go. When I’m not competing or training, I have a few hobbies and interests that keep me busy. I enjoy playing video games because it’s a fun way to relax, connect with friends, and escape the stresses of everyday life. I also like working out and playing sports outside of track, since being active has always been something I enjoy. Music is another passion of mine. I really like discovering underground artists that not a lot of people are listening to yet. There’s something exciting about finding raw, new talent before the rest of the world catches on. Music gives me inspiration and energy, and I love that it can instantly change my mood or mindset. More than anything, I’m a family person. I believe family is everything. Without family, you don’t have a true foundation in life. They’re the people who see you at your best and worst, and they still stand by you. That belief drives the way I carry myself and the way I treat others.

An artist I’m listening to right now is Clara La San. She’s a little different for me since her style isn’t usually the type of music I go for, but I wanted to start opening up my taste and trying new sounds. She’s been someone I’ve had on repeat lately because I really like the way her music makes you feel and the beat choices she uses. For me, it’s the kind of music that fits any mood, whether you’re going through something tough or just relaxing.

What stands out to me about her music is how personal and emotional it feels. Even if I don’t relate to every lyric, the energy and vibe of her songs connect with me. Sometimes, music doesn’t have to be about the exact words—it’s more about the atmosphere it creates. Clara La San has this unique sound that feels mellow but powerful at the same time. I’ll put her on when I need to slow down, clear my head, or just have something different in the background while I’m working out or playing games.

If something’s going on in life, or I’m not feeling my best, I’ll turn her on instead of the usual artists I’d normally listen to. It’s like her music gives me a different perspective and helps me step away from everything for a while. I think that’s what makes her stand out for me—she’s not just another artist I listen to casually; she’s someone I can count on to bring me into a better space. That’s why she’s been in my rotation so much lately, because music that can change your mood like that is rare.

Music that I just can’t get into is hard rap. To me, it feels like there’s too much yelling, and I honestly don’t understand how people enjoy it. Most of the time, the lyrics are only about money, cars, and women, and I don’t think that really sends a good message to the youth. I know the artists may not mean it in a bad way, but I still feel like it doesn’t have the most positive influence.

Another reason I don’t like hard rap is that it doesn’t make me feel anything real. When I listen to music, I want it to either calm me down, inspire me, or help me think about life differently. Hard rap just feels repetitive and aggressive, and that kind of energy isn’t what I want to carry into my day. I feel like music should add something positive, whether it’s motivation, peace of mind, or even just a good vibe when you’re hanging out.

Also, a lot of kids grow up repeating those lyrics and thinking that’s how life is supposed to be, and that’s something I don’t agree with. Music has a big impact on people, especially when they’re young, so when the main focus is material things or negative behaviors, it can really shape how people see the world. For me, I’d rather listen to artists who bring emotion, creativity, and meaning into their songs, because that’s what sticks with you and actually helps you grow.