I was introduced to the Broadway show “Hamilton” last September when my mom informed me she bought tickets to a Wednesday matinee showing in October. I knew nothing about the storyline and had never heard any of the music, so I thought what a great time to start getting to know “Hamilton” and its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Lin-Manuel Miranda created and starred in an impeccable show that combines history surrounding the life of a founding father with music that is relevant, catchy and incredibly relatable. As a playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, activist and human being, Miranda inspires me as a communicator. He proves that you can do it all and that nothing is out of reach. As a communicator myself, I want to emulate his passion and dedication.

I immediately fell in love with the music and storyline of “Hamilton” as I began listening to the album for the first time. The more I listened to the songs, the more I began to find lyrics that inspire me every day. Today, not a day goes by when I don’t listen to at least one “Hamilton” song. The following seven lyrics from “Hamilton,” written by Miranda, inspire me as a college student, human being and communicator.

1. "I'm not throwing away my shot!"

Do not throw away your shot = seize every opportunity. Miranda inspires me to be confident in myself and my dreams whether it's school, career or life-related. Being young and in college is when I can figure out what I want to be and do. To let opportunities pass me by because I’m scared would be a regret later.

2. "How lucky we are to be alive right now."

Lin-Manuel inspires me to stop and live in the moment. It’s okay to take a break from homework to spend time with friends or layout on Bascom Hill reading a fun-read book. College is supposed to be one of the best times of life, so I can’t get caught up in the stress; I need to stop and take it all in.

3. "I am inimitable; I am an original."

Nobody can be you better than you. We’re all original, we’re all unreplaceable. Hearing those words sung during one of my favorite Broadway shows is just a great reminder that needs to be heard from time to time. Again, it inspires me to be confident in myself and my work.

4. "And you'll blow us all away someday, someday."

Even though college classes can be rocky at times, I’m just beginning my career. I’ll get better and better the more I practice my communication skills. Miranda reminds me that this is just the beginning and that “someday, someday” I’ll eventually make it.

5. "For once in your life take a stand with pride. I don't understand how you stand to the side."

Find something you’re passionate about and stick up for it. Lin-Manuel reminds me to be confident in what I believe and use my voice to spread those beliefs, whatever they may be. I’m a huge fan of Disney and you usually don’t hear a 20-year-old say something like that, but I’m proud of who I am and what I love.

6. "And when my time is up, have I done enough?"

This lyric from “Hamilton” inspires me to live life to the fullest every day because I never know when my time is up. I have to seize opportunities, I have to “write like I’m running out of time,” I have to live life in the moment. Be proud of who you are and what you do because time is not guaranteed.

7. "Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?"

In addition to living every day to the fullest, have you done something that inspired others? Have you done something your family and friends would be proud of? Miranda inspires me to be a better version of myself today than who I was yesterday and to make a difference in others’ lives.

Thank you, Lin-Manuel Miranda, for not only creating “Hamilton” but for inspiring me to be a better student, communicator and human being every day.