<p>I've been wanting to do this for quite some time. So here goes.....</p>
<p>As this year's process of research, applications, auditions, acceptances, rejections and choices seems to be winding down, I want to express my admiration and utter delight at the contributions from the real focus of the MT and Drama threads - the students. I hope you will forgive my not listing "names" for fear of leaving anyone out. Besides, you know who you are - in oh so many ways....... </p>
<p>The ways in which you have contributed to and oft times elevated the level of discourse in this forum provide me with real hope for the future of the art forms to which you aspire. Your generosity, your intelligence, your patience, your sense of humor, your strength, your creativity, your passion, your wit, your willingness to place your hopes and dreams, your vulnerabilities, your fears, all of this, on display to any number of nameless, faceless, sometimes over involved but always well meaning adults is a never-ending marvel to me. I love the way you support each other and help us understand what it is our own children are going through. I love how you jump in, full of fervor and unedited energy to defend those you feel have been wrongly accused and the fearless way you confront any whose personal agenda threatens to hijack the civil tone we have always maintained on this thread, even when we disagree with each other, which is only natural to do. Your contirbutions are even more remarkable given what we understand to be the demands on your time as students, in both your academic and arts pursuits. </p>
<p>So to those of you who are graduating and moving on to further pursue your dreams, may I offer my heartfelt congratulations and thanks. As time permits, we will look forward to any observations and advice from "the front." To those of you who are still in the midst of this process, keep on sharing your views, your questions, your answers, etc. You are all valuable and admired members of what has come to be one of, if not the best resource for how to pursue a college program in Musical Theater or Drama. I know that my own journey and that of my daughter's has been immeasurably enriched by "knowing" all of you.</p>
<p>I raise my glass along with Theatermom in a toast to you all. May your years of study ahead broaden your minds, enliven your boundless energy, and enrich your heartfelt passion. You have all touched our hearts. We are grateful.</p>
<p>My THANKS goes out as well. Please continue to join the CC discussions as time permits. Your knowledge and experience of the programs you will now be entering will be priceless to those who follow in your footsteps. "Break a leg" on your continued journey!</p>
<p>I echo theatermom's thoughts. I wish all the best for those of you who are embarking on your college 'careers' in September! You have so much to look forward to and to be excited about. I just know that you kids will love the experiences you're about to have at each of your college choices. It's so rewarding to see the results for those of you whom we have come to know here on the forum. I know that those of us who have been through this experience and who choose to stay around in the hopes of helping others, or having our children who are currently in programs, helping others, are really thrilled when we read of each acceptance this year. We remember the excitement and the thrill of receiving that phone call, email, or letter at our houses! Good luck to all of you and congratulations on all that hard work and effort which resulted in the great choices for you. :)</p>
<p>Leave it to our incredibly articulate theatermom to put a voice to what many parent-posters are feeling now. It continues to amaze me how connected I remain to this board, and how much I have learned through the words and experiences of the students who have shared along the way. One's decision about where to attend college marks the end of one kind of journey and the beginning of a one of a kind future, with untold possibilities!</p>
<p>I couldn't have said it any better myself. This forum has been a Godsend to my daughter and me as we embarked upon this incredible and mysterious journey of MT about a year ago. The wisdom imparted has been so very appreciated and the knowledge we gained in the process has been invaluable. I certainly plan to stick around next year to offer support to those who are just beginning the college search. I hope all will do the same and will also keep us informed of the college successes of all of the CC kids we now feel like we "know." Thanks for everything! Continued best wishes and break-a-legs to the MT college class of 2009!
Kim (lexasmom)</p>