I've hit the point in my college career where my entire life comes into question and I have to begin to decide what to do with the rest of it. After getting down here, getting quasi-settled and not being involved in music, it's come to me that music has become a much bigger deal to me than I ever expected. It's an addiction: I need the endorphines of performance and the stress relief that comes with doing some song I really believe in.
It's not that I'm going after the cliched "fame and fortune." My choice, right now, is fame or fortune. If I stick to my academics, keep working hard, and go to law school, I can walk out with enough money to be driving an M3 before I'm 30. Or at least a nicely done 330Ci when I'm done with school. But fame - that comes with being the musician. Being appreciated and all that fun stuff. John Mayer's ridiculous success has made it possible for zillions more heartfelt guys like him (Jack Johnson, Howie Day, the list continues) with a song to sing hit the big time. And maybe it'll be out of style, but maybe, just maybe, there'll be room for one guy with a piano and a guitar and a song to sing. Just go on stage, say what you want, be liked for it, and the big bad record companies won't balk at you for saying and singing what you feel. I wouldn't mind that.
Either way, it's all or nothing, that's just my quasi-competitive nature. But being a high achiever gets in the way of being a musician, and vice-versa. And it's not like I have to make the decision overnight, but still - I probably need some kind of direction in the next few years. And eventually I'll have to make a choice, one way or the other. It's surprisingly not a scary thought, but I know I'm not ready yet to make the call.
OH! I totally forgot to mention that I got a fortune cookie when I was very little. It said "Your love for music will take you very far in life." I was about ten, I think, so I was in music class but that was about it. So far, it's served me well.