The article gave me the impetus to change, but now I had to act on it. The drive – the will – to change is a wonderful thing, but how in the hell was I going to do it?

I had no money. I was almost but not quite done with my bachelor’s degree. All I had was my voice, my dream, and validation from the writer of a popular magazine’s editorial on letting yourself feel free to take as long as you need to grow. Honestly, I wasn’t sure it was enough. I needed more.

I asked my department head, and I asked my mentor. I asked my vocal coach and my voice teacher and my mother. I asked my cat. I asked and asked, and no one told me that I was wrong…but no one said it was right, either.

Finally, I realized I had to stop seeking authentication. My dreams were bright, and my will was as strong as the day I read that article. You know, it had to be done. I packed my bags, moved to Rome, and began my life as an opera singer.