How did jazz happen to you?

I was 17 when I first heard jazz. At the time I was studying Math and Literature, and music was nothing more than a hobby. But listening to jazz changed my relationship with music, which came alive. I began to see it as a space to express myself creatively. It took me four more years to realize that I could do nothing else. Though it was a huge leap of faith, I made the switch to music. Eight years later, I have a full-fledged career as a jazz pianist based in New York City.