To every artist out there, an award does not define your capability. Being granted a medal for your actions or a first place trophy is, of course, an amazing accomplishment, and you deserve it. But take a step back. Would you have put the same art out there whether it was a competition or not? If not, you’re doing it wrong.

Winning is a great thing. It’s a nice little pat on the back congratulating you for putting your hard work to the test. However, from my fair share of high school theater competitions, I’ve been able to learn something that is worth more than any award. The memories, lessons, friendships and experiences you take from art are the most important. As an actor, I would rather the audience take more out of the experience than us onstage. I want people to walk out of the theater inspired so that they wish they could see the show again and again. When random strangers tell you how much they loved the show, it is one of the greatest gifts of live performance. Yes, I love performing. I do it because I love it. But I also do it because I love people. If I can do something for someone through being on the stage, then I've done more than I ever could for myself.

I've been very thankful to live such a privileged life growing up. Ever since I was born, I have always had two parents beside me and a roof over my head. I believe that God gave me the gift to share stories on the stage and the ability to perform. It is my job to spread love and thought with the community through the power of a story. And it's the most amazing thing in the world.

In sports, coaches and players emphasize winning so heavily that the competitions get in their head more or less. It hurts my heart when people take the passion out of the arts for the need of winning an award. As much as it sucks, theater can be entirely subjective. Someone may not agree with a moral of a show. They may not have been the biggest fan of a director's choice. That's okay. As long as you feel the story you're telling, it should not matter if you win, or hell, even if you're nominated. A few judges' ideas of what a great performance does not determine the worth of a show.

Every artist is important. Every person is important. That's why it is imperative that we support the arts in the community and schools regardless if they bring in trophies or not. Don't just support the "elite" artists of the world. Embrace your community for all it is worth. Love every single person. This goes for theater and for the world. Spread kindness, support and love for all.