Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton: An American Musical, tells the story of our country’s first secretary of treasury: Alexander Hamilton. For those of you who might not know who that is, that’s the man on the $10 bill.

Hamilton’s life is told from beginning to end through the witty lyrics of rap, hip-hop, and R&B songs. Miranda was very clever about using these three music genres to tell this truly American story and because of this, the musical is appealing to more people. My dad, for example, isn’t a big fan of musicals, but he loves to listen to the Hamilton soundtrack with me in the car.

It makes history more interesting. No one likes hearing about the first cabinet meetings in history class, but everyone loves a good rap battle. In the songs “Cabinet Battle #1” and “Cabinet Battle #2” Alexander goes head-to-head with Thomas Jefferson. The songs depict two issues that the first cabinet really talked about, but it’s depicted in a way that captures and keeps everyone’s attention and interest.

There are two songs, however, that really made me think. They made me reflect on how I’m living my life and if I’m really living it to its full potential.

 “Let me tell you what I wish I’d known when I was young and dreamed of glory: You have no control: Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.”

This line of lyrics is what set my mind into motion. They’re from George Washington’s song “History Has its Eyes on you.” Everyone has an image of what they want to be. Not just professionally, but personally. For me, this song made me reflect how I behave and how I treat others. As the lyrics say, “you have no control: who lives, who dies…” This is what makes me think. Am I living my life the best that I can? Have I helped those that need it? Have I taken time to travel to all the places I’ve wanted to see and learn about? I feel like I’m doing well enough in life, but I know I can do better. There are more people I can help, I still have time to travel to the countries on my bucket list, but most importantly, I still have time to make a difference. This is important for everyone to keep in mind. Some people think that it’s too late in their life to make a change, travel, or do whatever they’ve dreamed of doing. Just because someone says you can’t, doesn’t make it so. No matter how young or old, weak or strong, everyone can make their dreams a reality and make a difference in the community they’re in.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone so here’s a question to ask yourself: If I were to die tomorrow, who would tell my story and how would they tell it? I’ve given this some thought and I decided that I wouldn’t want to die knowing that I didn’t do my utmost to help those around me and to be the best person I could be. Life is full of opportunity. Opportunity to travel, serve your community, and grow into a unique individual. I wouldn’t be taking advantage of my life if I decided to never take up those opportunities.

We only have this once to live and that can change at a moment’s notice. We all need to do what’s best for ourselves and our community and learn to be happy with the life that we are living. If you aren’t happy with something in your community, or you aren’t happy with how you’re living, make a change. Even if that change is simply being more positive and happy. It’s never too late, and a small change is better than no change.

Alexander Hamilton states in the show, “I am not throwing away my shot.” These are words to live by, truly. We get one opportunity, one chance, one shot at life. I don’t know about you, but I want to live my life as fully as I can and make a difference in the lives of those in my community.

I’m choosing to not throw away my shot. What are you going to do with yours?