As I embark on my senior year of high school, many people have asked me, “where are you going from here?” or, “what are you thinking of studying post high-school?” or, “any plans for college?” My answer changes each day. Saying that, I have noticed a similar reaction and response to one of my answers in particular. The conversation goes somewhat like this:

“Sophie, any thoughts on college?”

“Yes, I’ve actually been thinking a lot about colleges with a strong theatre program.”

“That’s risky, you know. There are not a lot of jobs that fit that degree.”

“I know, but it’s what I love.”

“Well, that’s good I guess... good luck?...”

After that, the conversation kind of fizzles out. They continue to ask me where I’m looking at, and they give me advice with how to take on this next chapter of my life. At that point, I’ve stopped listening. I’m not upset by their comments, and my reaction isn’t meant to be seen as rude either. I have appreciated all of the advice I’ve gotten on college, and I am trying to digest all the different tactics and ways to get the most out of my college experience. It is so, so, nice to know that people care about my future and what I want to pursue.

The truth is, there are a couple of ways to take on the college application process. Some people look at a specific degree to get, along with all of the jobs that will be available with that degree. With the influence from my closest friends and Alan Watts, I just cannot get myself to think that way, and frankly, don’t want to go through life doing a job simply for the money. I cannot imagine living a life that doesn’t involve the performing arts, and that is why I want to choose theatre as my major, because I am incredibly passionate about it, and passion goes a long way.

Theatre teaches confidence.

I used to be the girl that brought a book everywhere. Every time I got into a social situation I was uncomfortable in, I would pull out my book and remove myself from the world. Talking to people and making small talk was really hard for me. As soon as I decided to do my first show at the age of seven, I was forced to go out of my shell. I learned how to project my voice and not be afraid of how other people saw me. I had to be okay with playing someone of the opposite gender, someone five times my age, or someone who was just plain weird. Not every role was similar to my real life persona, and the majority weren’t. That was good for me. I was taken out of my comfort zone so many times, and that’s an important thing when you’re growing up.

Theatre teaches tolerance.

There have been roles that I have wanted with all my heart, take Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. I prepared so much for my audition, and was confident that I could get my first big role. What was I cast as? A tree. Yes, a tree. I watched the girl who got the part backstage, mouthing Somewhere over the Rainbow as she sang it to an audience. I had to learn to think about the situation selflessly, and be happy for her. I have been in shows where mean, self-centered people have gotten the leads, and I have had to accept that. I am super stubborn, but in the arts, you have to leave that attitude outside of the theatre and just accept what is. You don’t have to love everyone in your cast, but you have to be tolerant of them, and that is similar to a lot of situations you face in life.

Theatre teaches dedication.

When you’re in a show, your life becomes that show. You will eat, sleep, and breathe that show. You will memorize all of the songs and dialogue, and would be able to write a novel on each of your cast members if you had to. There will be hours upon hours that you spend at home memorizing your lines, choreography, and musical numbers. There will be countless auditions that you prepare for. When you play a role, you will feel a special connection to that character and always have a piece of that character in your heart. You will learn what it means to devote yourself to something.

Finally, theatre teaches connection.

When you are in a show, you are truly a part of something that is bigger than yourself. It is amazing to think that a bunch of people can come together and create something that has never quite existed before, and will never exist again. Every single person matters in a show, and without them, the show wouldn’t be the same. Whether you’re in the ensemble, a lead, the design team, lighting, or stage manager, you matter. You learn what it means to care for a group of individuals like your own family, and to share a once in a lifetime experience with other people, and that is super cool.

Even if my dream of being a famous actress doesn’t work out the way I want it to, the skills the performing arts have taught me are so valuable and worthwhile. The idea of continuing to learn those skills and lessons at the collegiate level is something I’m excited for, no matter how other people view my decision. Nobody can tell you how to live your life or what direction to take your life in. Find what matters to you and chase it mercilessly, it will make you happier down the road.