In this TEDx talk, Edgar Leon shares a deeply personal journey from struggling freshman percussionist to mentor and music educator, illustrating how a single moment of encouragement can transform a student’s life. Drawing on his experiences teaching at Waltrip High School in Houston, he demonstrates how music education nurtures resilience, confidence, and community in underfunded schools. Through the story of a frustrated student named Mike, he reveals how music became a lifeline, empowering both teacher and pupil to find their voice. Edgar Leon is a graduating senior at Haverford College, earning a double major in Music and Computer Science. A passionate educator and composer, he has taught percussion and bass guitar in underserved Houston schools, written original music for ensembles, and mentored students through musical and personal challenges. Accepted into Temple University’s Master of Music Composition program for Fall 2025, Edgar hopes to continue advocating for equitable access to music education nationwide. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx