I used to be just like you. First, I was going to be a singer. I grew up in the Taylor Swift era – I watched a young, all-American girl go from writing songs about her crushes and playing her guitar in her bedroom to superstardom. I was convinced that I was going to be the next Taylor Swift – after all, I had the same kind of crushes she had and girls were mean to me in school, too. For Christmas my mom’s boyfriend bought me a guitar and I began to “write” songs. I kept this “next Taylor Swift” mentality until I got into high school and joined drama club. From there, I was going to be the next Broadway actress. Performing was something I enjoyed, and did have a bit of talent in, and I was convinced I was going to move to New York and begin auditioning for shows the day I received my high school diploma. Slowly, these dreams began to fade. I started to realize I wanted to help people with my words, and that’s how my English and Communications path came to be. Discovering what I want to do with my life has been a process, and honestly, I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do. But to the young girl sitting in her bedroom, plucking away at her guitar or reciting monologues, I have some words to share with you – Don’t give up. If this is the life you want, chase it. Don’t let a single person try to convince you to become a teacher, or a lawyer, or a doctor. Do what makes your heart shine the brightest. After all, you only have one life to live.
My best advice to you would be to begin working now. Audition for plays outside of just your drama club. Sign up for voice lessons. Begin looking into college music & theatre departments. Come up with a reasonable plan for your life and laugh in the face of anyone who tells you your dreams are too far out of reach. With hard work, you can achieve the fame you dream of. Just remember that it isn’t going to happen over night.
Maybe one day you will realize fame isn’t the life you want, and that’s okay, too. You could be the world’s next chef, or PR executive, or accountant. The purpose of this letter is to encourage you to chase the life you want. Not the life that seems “reasonable” or the life your parents are pressuring you to chase. With hard work and dedication you can have the life you’ve always wanted. Whether that’s staring in the next box office hit or maybe becoming a screenwriter, selling out concerts or owning your own record company. There are multiple possibilities for you in this life and I encourage you to explore them, then chase the one you’re most passionate about. If that’s fame, then great! Prove those who don’t believe in you wrong.
So, what are you waiting for? Chase that dream of yours. I can’t wait to buy your first album.
