Dear Kid,

I know what you’ve been told all your life: dreams are nice to have, but when it comes down to it, they can’t be your life. Dreams are for your spare time, work is what you do to live. Painting is for the weekends, performing is for the shower, and writing is for fanfiction. There’s a time when you have to look at your life and decide what really matters and what’s just a waste of time.

While well-intentioned, I know how much it hurts. Kid, your dreams aren’t worthless. Your dreams aren’t silly, or hackneyed, or unoriginal. If there is one thing real in this world, it is a genuine passion for what sets someone’s heart on fire, whether it be a person, a project, or a dream. There is nothing more beautiful than the look in someone’s eye when they talk about something they truly love. There is nothing more fulfilling than pursuing a dream, even if it leads to dead end after dead end. The first taste of success is ambrosial, and the struggles of the past make even the smallest victory worthwhile. If you are truly happy in your pursuit, you can do no wrong.

Kid, I’ve been in your shoes. I still am. Majoring in English and Theatre with dreams of becoming a playwright is a lofty enterprise, but I wouldn’t trade my future liberal arts degree for the world. I am learning what I love, becoming someone I love, and I am cultivating my passion to create something truly great.

Devoting yourself to your dream will take work, no doubt, but you must ask yourself, what will you risk to succeed? What will you risk to be happy?

If you are positive that you have found your passion, your calling, hold on to it tight, and by no means let go. The world needs more people filled with genuine passion for what they do. Don’t sacrifice your dream for a steady paycheck if you’ll be miserable for it. When you look back, what will you regret more: not having enough money, or choosing to live a life you’re not proud of?

Kid, to put it simply, don’t give up your daydreams. The world needs them. The world needs you. Push yourself fearlessly, and pursue what truly sets your heart on fire, and most of all, love the life you make for yourself and for those around you. I know it’ll be beautiful.