Dear 20-something me

Dear 20-something me,

You have just auditioned for PWC and you got accepted! Exciting! You are about to embark on an adventure that will change your life in more ways than musically. You will meet amazing people, learn to love music you never knew would even qualify as music in your mind, and you will find yourself in the process. Over the next 19 years, you will love and lose people who will become part of you forever. You will discover that you are stronger than you ever knew you could be. You'll take on leadership roles and excel at them--even enjoy them! There will be good times, bad times, and everything in between. Just take it all in, enjoy it, and make sure you take time to savor each moment you have in this chorus. Savor your relationships with people and learn kindness. You will find a voice you never knew you had--both literally and figuratively.
When you look back at this year 1997, when you joined PWC, you will see a completely different person. You will be proud of who you've become and grateful for the people who helped you get there. Tears will come at times when you least expect them. Let them flow. It's all ok. Allow yourself to feel even when you want to be numb. Allow yourself to grow from these experiences and allow yourself to change. Change is scary, but it will bring you to wonderful places.

Speaking of wonderful places, you will travel the world with PWC. You'll go to Vancouver, San Antonio, Newfoundland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, and Argentina. There will be a tiny solo that will change you and draw you to the southern hemisphere sky of stars. It will be your favorite solo of all time.

PWC is the best choice you ever made. You don't know that now, but you'll find out.

Love,
46-year old you