First and foremost, I want to apologize to anyone who is offended by my comments.....the truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off!

Keep in mind, HSPVA has more success stories than the small percentage that don't succeed. But, aren't all students important if one person can change the world? It is my belief that until HSPVA sets up some kind of system to catch the students that fall through the cracks there will be more who drop out, or graduate without direction.

I believe that we're all in this life together to help one another...Therefore, I want to suggest an HSPVA mentoring program, if there isn't one currently in place. I personally would've benefited from a role model my senior year. Besides, it's not like we don't need this program in our schools now days. HSPVA creates community leaders, people who can mentor others.

I had a myriad of issues, especially since my family life was going through dramatic changes. Of course, I thought I was more important than I was and my HSPVA experience gave me a much needed reality check. Didn't I just pass a strict audition to get in? But, I was a first year Senior that most of my peers didn't respect. As the school year progressed I made a few friends, but sadly, it was a disappointment because I barely graduated! School had always been my escape from my dysfunctional childhood and I enjoyed studying and making good grades. But, all that changed my senior year. At my previous high school I had given up the opportunity of lead roles, (which went to the seniors) from the Drama Teacher. Come to find out, at HSPVA I had to start all over again from the bottom up, not getting any lead roles and/or any major parts in Drama Productions at HSPVA. When I think back, the reason I went there was to probably prepare me life's hard knocks.

Later, I became friends with an HSPVA Alumni who understood my plight: My younger brother was a grade below and didn't have the grade point average for acceptance into HSPVA. He passed the artistic test with flying colors! After I began my Senior year the Art Teacher personally apologized for not being able to accept him. Upon finding out he wasn't going, he dropped out of school and ran away from home. We had already made the mistake of telling all our friends that we were going to HSPVA. My Alumni friend told me that while he was working at HSPVA he was campaigning for this....some students need special consideration because of their artistic talents and should be accepted based upon that, not their grade point average.

I believe that HSPVA is a wonderment and achievement for students and I know several Alumni who are living proof! But, based upon my experience, I think HSPVA should give a psychological test to gauge a students emotional/mental health for potential individual school counseling and/or mentoring to help function in an intense artistic environment.

Thank you my friends and Teachers who made me feel welcome while I was there.