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<p>I really enjoyed the article as well, and think it’s great that some people choose to relentlessly pursue a life in the arts, but I also applaud kids who are able to think ahead to the type of lives they want and recognize that an education narrowly focused on performing may not ultimately get them all that they seek.</p>
<p>We have a nephew who was always destined to be a visual artist (we all could see it when he was still in grade school). He attended a top art school and now has his dream job as an Art Director for a local newspaper. Bravo for him for fearlessly following his dream against the odds!! </p>
<p>On the other hand, last night I attended a musical with our MT D who opted to pursue a performing BA at an academically demanding school, where she could double major and explore various aspects of theatre (in addition to performing she’s taken a strong interest in Directing and is doubling in History). D is absolutely committed to pursuing a life as a performer, but after the show she took every bit as much pleasure in deeply discussing the historical context of the show and the director’s choices as she did in analyzing the performances.</p>
<p>Are the performers in D’s school less committed artists than those who opted for a BFA? Are they wimps with an often-maligned Plan B? Absolutely not! It can take every bit as much courage for people with artistic talents to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves in other areas as it does to focus narrowly on the arts, and each approach brings the world people with different perspective and skill sets. </p>
<p>Bravo to people with the courage to pursue their passions, WHATEVER they may be, and bravo to the adults who support them in those pursuits!</p>