Editor’s Note: “Hawks Uncovered” is a series that tells the often unknown stories of Hebron students and staff.

After three years, she can finally say she did it.

Junior Ursula Ho applied to be a drum major three times before she was accepted. Each of her applications were different, but this year, her experience and confidence got her the spot she wanted for so long.

In fourth grade, Ursula began playing the flute. She joined the band at her middle school in Pennsylvania but then moved to Texas in eighth grade, where she became a member of the Creek Valley band. The music education in Pennsylvania was different compared to Texas; therefore, she had trouble catching up with her peers once she moved. After attending freshman band camp, she said she was amazed by the size, quality and community of the high school band.

Her freshman year, Ursula dealt with confidence issues and pushed herself to her limit because she felt she wasn’t improving musically. Despite this, she still tried out for drum major to get a feel of the audition process. She said she overcame her struggles by realizing that her worth isn’t defined by what others think about her, but by what she knows she can accomplish. Instead of being a drum major her sophomore year, she became part of the loading crew and tried out for drum major again that spring.

Although she didn’t get the position, she managed to climb up the ladder to become a squad leader along with loading crew once again. Leadership comes with more responsibility and pressure, but she said she has gained more confidence and success because of it. This year, she said she was more comfortable in the audition process, landing her the spot.

Now, Ursula said she plans on becoming someone her peers can go to for advice, just as previous seniors were to her. She wants to maintain a positive attitude, notice the little things and not overlook students who are struggling. 

Looking ahead, Ursula wants to pursue mechanical engineering and is considering Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Dallas and University of Texas at Arlington. She hopes to join their concert band or the marching band as a drum major. Next year, she said she’s excited to be the base for other band members and form trusting relationships with them.