Almost everyone has a hobby that they are passionate about. That one activity that makes you more excited than anything else. That one thing you want to do for the rest of your life and you are sure you will always be passionate about. But what if the one thing that you love to do more than anything, isn't something you're good enough at?

That's how it is for me. I fell in love with theater when I was in middle school and haven't stopped loving it since. I had tried out around 15 hobbies in my life and quit them all for various reasons. Sometimes it was too hard, sometimes I got bored, or sometimes my schedule couldn't keep up. However, theater always stuck around.

The thing about most hobbies, especially ones like team sports and theater, are that they can be very competitive. You have to be better than your peers to make it big, whether that be on Broadway or on a professional team. So what is it like when the one thing that you love to do more than anything else isn't something at which you can succeed?

Basically, it sucks.

I'm not in any way trying to put myself down or gain pity. I have just become very self-aware of my abilities compared to those around me.

When I first started performing, I got a lot of lead roles. I was one of the more talented singers/actors in middle school and I was extremely dedicated to the department. I definitely made sure this didn't get to my head, but I did start to expect to get roles in shows when I auditioned.

I always looked up to the high school kids. They were all so talented and I thought that one day, I'd be them. My school emphasized seniority as well as talent, so usually freshman would not get into shows (let alone a lead) unless they were really good. So when I didn't get into shows that first year, I wasn't upset. I was the little fish in a big pond of kick-ass talent. I'd get there eventually.

Through sophomore, and junior year that trend continued. I started to get discouraged. I realized I wasn't as good as everyone else. I couldn't sing as high or dance as well and that realization was upsetting. I would take singing lessons but I still wouldn't be as good as the others. I definitely could sing a song and sound nice, but I just didn't have that "it" factor. I didn't get cast in many shows anymore, and if I did I was in the ensemble.

When senior year came along and my friends were auditioning for college theater programs, I decided that theater wasn't something I could pursue professionally. Although it was something I always wanted to do, I knew the level of talent that was out there in the world and that I simply didn't measure up. As hard as it was, I had to be practical and choose a career path that I could succeed in. But the fine arts was the only area of study I was passionate about. If I couldn't perform, what would I do?

I decided to go into the business side of the industry and I'm hoping to work in advertising one day.

I still love theater. I listen to the Broadway station on Sirius Satellite Radio, watch shows when they tour, and sing my favorite songs all the time. It is still a passion of mine and that will never change. I will always be a "theater kid" in my heart and soul. And although I still love performing, I had to accept that it wasn't something I could succeed at. And that's OK. One day I know I'll be watching my friends on Broadway, and I will be cheering them on the whole way.