3. 米谷彩子 Dr. Ayako Yonetani, you were the reason why I chose to study at UCF. A violinist of awe-inspiring technique and musically, a triple degreed Juilliard trained virtuoso and student of and later assistant of the Great Ms. Dorothy DeLay. I came to you with many holes in my technique and some personal emotional baggage that held me back, but tried my best to always be as prepared as I could be, even if I wasnt and to be the best violinist I could be and meet or live up to your expectations. You recognized that I had a serious and profound love and knowledge of classical music and music history more so than most of my colleagues of my generation at UCF and I loved talking to you about music, musical events and listening and asking questions about you and your stories about Ms. DeLay. Every year I tried to get better and better while hoping you would approve and see that one day I could and still can become a professional orchestral violinist. I’m grateful that I got to study with you and a get just a little taste of a great musical legacy, not just Ms. DeLay’s, but yours as well. Thank you for giving me the chance, possibly multiple chances to complete my degree in Music Performance despite doubts in my technique, punctuality and certain academic endeavors and for in a way, giving me a reason to never give up and keep trying to be the best violinist I can be. I know there were some rocky bumps in the road along the way, but I’ve always respected you and truly wanted to make you proud of me and my playing by working my very hardest to continue to show you I can do it and will only keep getting better and better as a violinist. Thank you!