Dear Friends,

This past week I had the urge to write this letter. I don't know why, but I did. I felt like there was a reason behind it, but I still couldn't figure out what that reason was. I don't have a layout for this letter, so I'm just going to go with it.

First off I would like to talk about BEING in the A-Wing. For those who don't know, my high school was made up of different wings, and the A-Wing is basically the arts wing. Being a part of this special wing is a lot of work. It takes time, work, and a lot of energy to do what you do there. A lot of people don't see that, and that's okay. If you're in the A-Wing it's not because you are trying to prove something to somebody, but because you love the arts. You love baking, singing, dancing, playing the violin, and so on. It's not about being the best of the best, getting ranked first, obtaining a solo, or whatever it is. It's about doing what you love to do. If you are there to compete and prove your worth or try and grab the spotlight, things will not work out for you.

When I was there the past four years I never lost sight of the one thing that was always on my mind: my love for music. I love music and I wanted it to be a part of my high school career. I didn't care what I did as long as there was some form of music or art involved with it. I never walked into an audition hoping I'd get a certain role. By doing that you create an option of being let down in the end. I would walk in, do my best, and wait. If I didn't put my 100% into my audition then the only person I could blame was myself. NEVER cause an issue between someone because they got a part you wanted. Sometimes it is just how life works out, and honestly you don't need a leading role to be in the spotlight. Gosh, there are so many roles out there in the world where a supporting role gets all the laughs and applauds from the audience members. Don't believe me?

I know that I wasn't friends with all of you. Some of us had drama, or we liked each other or whatever. Maybe we were friends but we drifted apart. Shit happens in the A-Wing. It's life. I'm in no way typing this up to offend or target anyone, but rather just give you guys my opinions. The A-Wing is a tough place to be in. Long rehearsals, being around people 24/7, tons of things to memorize and perfect... it's a lot. If it starts to feel like work and not like fun there is something wrong. High school art activities shouldn't feel like JUST work. I know you have to put in work, but there should be a balance with having fun because that's what high school is I realized. If you're not enjoying high school while putting in all this work, what are you doing then?

You need to have fun in high school no matter what you do. Try to make it more enjoyable. You guys are smart kids you can do it.

I'm sure some of you are reading this, even parents, and are thinking that this is either a great article or it's really pissing you off. Either way, I don't care.

After being in that part of high school for 4 years, I wanted to write a letter to the people still there and share advice. There's nothing wrong with that.

To my friends: Keep your head up and stand up for yourself. Be heard and stay strong. Work hard and HAVE FUN. Don't graduate high school looking back and thinking how awful it was at some points. I did that every now and then and it ruined the image of high school for me. If you're seniors right now: enjoy it. Yeah there's still work to do, but you got to have fun and live life. Have fun with your last show. It's YOUR show.

To the juniors: you got one more year after this. Finish all your SAT crap now and just enjoy the rest of your ride.

To the sophomores: you have a lot of time left. After sophomore year, things looked up for me, and I hope it does the same for you.

To the freshman: I literally know none of you, but heed my advice. You may feel broken at times and all the work may be killing you, but NEVER give up on your dream.

That goes for all of you. NEVER give up on what you want. Do what is best for you.

Yeah. I tried to quit the musical, and look at me. I'm living my life. I'm in college. I'm still going. I'm doing what I love to do, and I still get to be with my friends. Whether you are majoring in theatre or not when you graduate, I wish you the best of luck. Whether or not you got into the shows, you are ALL talented and you have so much going for you in your life. Don't lose faith when you get knocked down. You get knocked down, you get back up. Every single time.

You all have a life after high school. Don't let it define who you are now. You're your own person. So make your own decisions.

You all are amazing at theatre, and you have so much talent. Enjoy it and do YOUR thing. Always here if you need a friend.

-Al