Dear high school students,
Freshies, sophomores, and juniors generally, seniors specifically,
I have a word I need to share with you.

I used to be the kid that planned his next project out with details to the point of perfectionism. I sat down during lunch and wrote down my ideas, and the next day I made the ideas more specific, then got into details, and sooner than later, I realized the year was over, and I had done nothing in that school but plan projects. During my senior year, I decided to work on all of these projects, and put them together. I did. I built a fan base of 35,000 myspace fan list. With that being said, I got two directors (Hollywood) to work with. [Names cannot be mentioned due to legal papers insisting so]. The last two lines were not brought up for bragging, for if it was, I would’ve told you a long time ago already. I want you to know how big one can be without the need to be working under somebody or the feel to be signed under a specific record label for all these musicians out there looking to get signed.

During my senior year, I became active in the Art Academy I was referred to by my Photography teacher, Ms. Alison Stewart. I joined the Art Academy during the last two months of my senior year, and through out the work I put in, I gathered two different $500 awards and a medal for outstanding achievements.

The point here is that you need to get your act together before you look into all of these companies you want to work with, or the classes you want to take in college. I want you to take all of these alternative classes and join these clubs. You might find your real passion. Not everyone is great at what they do, but some people turn out to be amazing because of loving that path they’ve taken.

If you enjoy taking care of the sick, then go ahead and major in any medical related field. You’ll enjoy life. However, if you be a doctor because dad or mom wanted you to, there’s a problem. Dad and mom will destroy your future life without knowing it. If you want to become an artist, do your thing. Realize that you need your connections around you. A degree will take you no where if you don’t have skill nor determination. Yes, both at the same time. Find your passion and stick to it. People have made millions off of selling the most little, stupid ideas I’ve ever heard of, but hey, with enough passion, they make more than you and I and our families make, combined.

Take an early step. Do your work but stay social. You need your people. Don’t get signed too early. Don’t get hooked to a company too early. Start your own path and if someone decides to pick you up, that’s when you know you made it for your self not for impressing anybody else.

Enjoy life, and let your self enjoy it as well. Your brain needs its fun too, not only your body.
Go do your fun projects and make money while you’re at it. You’re gonna be bigger than ever, independently.

Go join these groups, have a fun class in your schedule, and aim towards success. It’s never too early. Never too early.

Apo Avedissian