The Role of Music in Life

 In The Other Wes Moore, music played a significant role for the other Wes Moore, symbolizing both his dreams and his struggles. It represented moments of joy, escape, and identity. Similarly, music has had a profound impact on my life, serving as a connection to my roots and a source of inspiration.

For the other Wes Moore, music often acted as a relief from the challenges he faced. It was a means of expression in an environment where emotions were often suppressed or misinterpreted. The rhythms of hip hop and rap reflected his reality: stories of struggle, survival, and ambition. Artists like Tupac Shakur, whose lyrics mix pain and resilience, resonated with Wes, providing him with a mirror of his circumstances and a map of what he wanted to escape.

In my own life, music has been a bridge between my past and my present. Growing up in Costa Rica until I was 14, traditional Latin music like salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton formed the soundtrack of my childhood. The rhythm of these genres filled family gatherings, community events, and even everyday moments at home. Every time I hear a classic salsa song like Hector Lavoe’s “El Cantante,” I’m transported back to my grandparents’ house, where my grandmother would cook and sing along to the radio.

However, my relationship with music evolved after moving to the United States. As I adapted to a new culture, I found artists like Ed Sheeran, whose storytelling reminded me of the narratives I grew up with. Songs like “Photograph” helped me deal with the nostalgia I felt during my early days in the U.S. It was music that gave me a sense of continuity, a reminder that no matter where I was, I could carry parts of my identity through melody and lyrics.

One of the most impactful roles music plays in my life is as a motivator. When I’m coding or working on a challenging project, playlists of lo-fi beats or instrumental soundtracks keep me focused. On the other hand, upbeat reggaeton songs from artists like Bad Bunny energize me during workouts or soccer games. Each genre serves a specific purpose, just as music served as reflection and escape for Wes Moore.