Follow Your Dreams. I Am Too.

Dear Reader,

Hi there. I want to tell you a little about me and why you need to pursue your dreams and passions NOW.

The story began when I was 3-years-old. My mother had taken me to the theatre to see Toy Story 2 and I fell in love with the screen. Sure, watching Buzz and the gang save Woody hit home but, it was the feeling I had sitting in that chair and never wanting to leave. From that point on, my mother made it a priority to take me to a matinee movie every single Saturday morning. That weekly tradition carried on throughout my early life and teenage years.

I come from an Italian-Catholic background and neighborhood so weekly mass was part of the deal. When I was around the age of 2-3, my mother carried me out of mass. A priest we all loved in our community and parish approached her and said, “There is something special about him.” My mother was concerned. What might you think if a priest said this? WAS I POSSESSED?! No, Thank God. My mother asked what he meant. He responded, “Your son is going to be in Hollywood one day. I see him there.” And wow has that story stuck with me and gives me chills even writing it today. My faith has remained strong.

Not only did I become obsessed with watching and analyzing movies, but I made it my life’s ambition to become a part of the entertainment industry. At our Kindergarten graduation, I remember walking up to the microphone to an audience of happy parents and saying, “When I grow up, I want to be a movie star.” The parents put down their plate of store-bought refreshments, clapped, and gave me a warm laugh that filled the room. I guess they liked the change from “Professional Sports Player”, “Teacher”, “Doctor”, and other repeated 5-year-old life dreams.

As the years carried on in elementary school, the other kids talked about sports and their favorite players. I didn’t fully join the conversation until movies or television shows were discussed. I was naming directors and it was seen as fascinating (and probably a little weird) by my young peers. They would name their favorite movie and I would respond with who made the film and they looked at me with a curious face. Was I some sort of machine that spit out something you put in? Perhaps I was...to them. I also was the kid who sat back in a movie to watch the entirety of end credits. Why leave the movie theater so fast?

Growing up was tough for my older sister and I. Our parents’ marriage crumbled (although they did remain good friends even after the divorce and countless fights), money was usually non-existent, we only had support and relations to my mother’s side of the family, and so on. In 2004, we lost my baby sister at birth due to complications. My Papa (mother’s father) passed 2 years later. I was young and experienced hardship. How did I deal with all? Movies and TV. Seriously, nothing made me feel happier. Nothing could help heal like the stories on the screen. That was my therapy. My friends and loved ones are everything to me and every second I am around others hanging out and doing things, I am happy. However, there is nothing like my personal connection, love, and relationship to the stories on the screen. The stories understood me and I found myself lost in them. Movies reminded me it's OK to not be OK.

High school came around and my love for film and television only grew stronger and stronger. I would meet with guidance counselors and indicate I want to go to college, major in anything that was entertainment-related and make movies that impacted our world. Well... Not sure they knew what to do with me since I was 1 out of 100+ students with a specific, yet uncommon goal. On top of that, this is when all the “be realistic” and “that’s a great dream BUT…” conversations started happening. Deep down, the love was there growing stronger.

After the ACT and all the other “college stuff” you need to do as a high school senior, I ended up at Illinois State University (ISU). Realistically, college might’ve not happened for me. With extremely tight finances and family issues, it was a tough situation. The hard work, good grades, and financial aid came through and allowed me to make college a reality. Plus, my parents wanted it too and would do whatever they needed in assisting me. Illinois State was a place that felt like home. A campus, unlike the others I visited. A place where I really found myself, got heavily involved and truly met some of the best people I could imagine. But of course, that’s what college is for right? To really “find yourself” and have fun while meeting lifelong friends. Yeah, you get it. I’ll move on. The important thing was I kept watching movies. Deep down, the love was there growing stronger.

I ended up graduating with honors (OK hotshot, we get it) and two degrees in Public Relations and Political Science and minoring in Film Studies. Talk about the annoying over-achiever. So, why isn’t there a film degree? The beauty of the minor was it focused 100 percent on film classes and gave me the flexibility to take some acting and theater courses. The two majors I had would at least open doors for a healthy amount of entry-job opportunities. I mean what would you do if you were an overly-involved college student in Central Illinois? Just take some classes that fit in your schedule, keep watching content, and write scripts in the little bit of free time you had, right? Same- Exactly what I did. Deep down, the love was there growing stronger.

During my senior year, I had the amazing opportunity to be elected Student Body President. Along with being involved in our amazing Greek life community, student and community organizations, and leadership roles, I was lucky enough to lead over 20,000 students at this beautiful campus. SO lucky that I even got to attend meetings and obligations, on top of classes, that lasted my days anywhere from 9-13 hours. It was always a blast (Lol). I wouldn’t go back and change a thing about that because it was a reward unlike any other. In the midst of all of my duties, I had to figure out the answer to “What’s next?” I’ll be honest here. During this time, I was a little skeptical of still pursuing film. It never, not even a little bit, faded from my heart or mind. But think this: I’m a 22-year-old about to graduate and move back home to Chicago. Don’t I need money? Don’t I need to start my career somewhere? The “be more realistic” and “stability” conversations of an entertainment career only became heavier in my ears. But after all, I was young. I could still pursue it in my free time and at some point. Deep down, the love was there growing stronger.

I was enjoying my time in Student Government so much that I was attracted to learning the law. I enjoyed learning about how big of an impact the government has on almost every element of people’s lives. I had spent some time at the end of my junior year meeting lawyers, judges, and local/state politicians. So I’ll admit that I enjoyed meeting with them. I figured out that law school might be good for me. What could be better than becoming a lawyer, helping people, and still being a lover of film? My mind kept thinking, “Hey my guy. There is a field of entertainment law. You can be around it through this way…” Why not, right?

Fast forward to a few weeks before graduating ISU. I had been accepted to attend law school and it seemed right (for the most part). I LOVED my time in college but I reached that point where you feel ready to move on and keep growing. During this point, I remember my father and I discussed what I was doing if law school didn’t work out. Not that concerned, I said, “I can always move to L.A. and give the film thing a try.” He supported me but didn’t know if it was best to jump right out there. After I was accepted, my parents were super excited and thought “just go for it.” They weren’t entirely sure when becoming a lawyer crossed my mind but they went with it. Taking one thing at a time was best.

But then life threw a big curveball that decked me square in the face. 2 weeks before the day I was to walk across the stage and receive my degrees, my father unexpectedly passed away. It became instantly the worst and lowest time of my young life. Confused, angry, sad, and full of emotions. I was in no state to make any other decision. Law school it was.

Once law school began, I was excited to learn. I loved going to school. It was something I was good at and genuinely enjoyed. I would take a class anytime so I can constantly keep learning. Something didn’t feel right, though. We were all warned about the demands of law school and if not 100 percent in, leave. I felt so out of place. All of the full-time students had come from some history of being a paralegal, working in a law firm, family business, etc. Me? I don’t know. It sounded like a great career and a full chance to help people. Wow. What the heck was I doing here? Feeling overwhelmed, I changed my status and went to the part-time program. I wanted time to manage my family, personal health/wellness, and heal from all I endured the past few months. (And have time to watch things, of course.)

The part-time program was filled with some of the most genuine, smartest, and experienced people. Full-time working professionals (some with families) who went to their jobs and came to class at night. NOW really: what the heck was I doing here? I still managed to build some friendships. I enjoyed talking and making friends. Whether you are a lifelong friend or talking to me about your grandchildren during the evening Civil Torts class, I could carry a conversation. OK, I am a social butterfly you get it.

Law school was brutal. It was cold and isolating. I never felt more alone and misunderstood than during my time there. After meeting with one professor to see how I can ace the final (since your grade depends on that test only), I was told to talk with TA’s, figure out my problems, and "understand a parent’s death is just hard for anyone." Well, of course it is. I wasn't looking for the professor to feel bad by any means. Instead, to understand how hard I was trying to succeed despite some uncontrolled circumstances. I remember after that meeting, I felt so disconnected and hated everything about law school even more. Now, don’t get me wrong. If that is your passion and calling then, by all means, do it. It is extremely rewarding to learn the law and we need lawyers. Plus, my legal writing class was such an amazing experience. The professor was beyond brilliant, caring, and supportive and possibly one of the best professors I ever had. They’re not all bad as you’d think or as my “figure it out” friend. I had some amazing mentors and friends during my short time in law school. They know who they are I could never express my appreciation toward them enough.

Honestly, to all of my mentors and those who never stopped believing in me: I cannot thank you enough.

So what did I do? During the day, I would get my homework done and watch more movies and shows (Ah, my therapy re-visited). I remember watching Stranger Things right around September/October. I was always one of those, “I’m more of a movie person” but I finally figured it was time for a good show. Get with the trend, Mike. I remember watching the first few episodes and felt my life change. I finished all 3 seasons in one week. What the heck just happened? A show changed my life, are you serious right now? Was it the 80’s nostalgia? Was it the mind-flayer even though I’ve never been a sci-fi fan like ever? Was it the connection I felt to the Duffer Brothers as they were rejected so many times but prevailed and brought us the world of the Upside Down? Yeah, but not entirely. It was the spark it re-ignited in my heart. Seriously, this show really changed my life. It made me want to write. It made me want to get to work and be in this industry that very second. Deep down, the love was there growing stronger. Stronger than ever before.

Stranger Things, along with many other movies, stories, and other industry discussions I had emerged in all impacted me. I was spending every morning listening to industry professionals speak on YouTube. Along with this, I had dear friends moving to Los Angeles or other major cities to pursue their dreams. Wow, they actually got up and left. They all inspired me deeply. They made me truly wake up and realize what I was made to do. I remember right around early November, I finally sat with my sister and mother. I said it and felt so free. “I do not want to do law school anymore.” They were almost as happy as I was for they knew what I wanted my entire life. I needed a career, money, and to go in the direction my heart was always in. The great thing is I will never live with the "What if?" or regret of not trying out law school. Everything happens for a reason and I am glad it happened.

After job searching, doing some interviews, and getting offers, I received one that guaranteed I was in the right place. I was offered a full-time job with the Walt Disney Company. I filled out the law school withdrawal forms and was out of the place faster than the doors could swing open. I shared the good news to Facebook which drew in very kind words from many. Why Facebook? Well (1) I am not in law school anymore so now you all know, my friends. (2) The power of networking because you never know “Who knows someone” or, “Hey! I got a guy” and (3) Be inspired because I am doing it and so can you. People even reached out saying how my story influenced them to “Take that class”, “Go back to school” or do whatever they always wanted to but were a little afraid or just needed that little extra push.

Here’s the push you need. I know you can do it.

Let’s get this straight then. I decide to leave law school which was something I knew would happen sooner or later. Right? I look for jobs and training centers I can learn acting, continue screenwriting, and network. Right? I end up at this magical company that started it all for me and is on top of the world and industry I’ve been dreaming of for 20+ years. Right? All of this in my home city. It all is falling into place and I know I am where I was meant to begin. I am letting it all come to me and I had Dad, my younger sister, Papa, and everyone in my heart guiding me whether they were physically present or not.

I would not consider myself just a lover of film and TV but I am made for this industry. We all love entertainment. It’s a NEED in this life. I know a lot of people who aspire for this say that but it’s not illegal to think that (Oh yes, I said illegal. Mr. one semester of law school over here!). After all, those people who say "it isn't stable" clearly don't realize that this is a business too. There are so many people responsible and working tirelessly to bring the magic to the screen and into our hearts.

Here’s the thing: if you have a passion and a dream, why wouldn’t you chase it? You need to follow it. I share my long and complex story because I want others to take a leap of faith. To embrace ANY opportunity. To be proud of their passions and follow their dreams. For me, film, TV shows, music, and forms of entertainment are what can unite us all across the world and impact the hearts from all walks of life. For a little bit of time, we can escape all the troubles of the world and be lost in the story on the screen. Allowing us to laugh, cry, think, and grow together. All of which is possible through this magical industry. So, I will keep watching, writing, learning, and growing daily. There are so many amazing people in this industry and I cherish every second I get to meet someone new or continue talking with someone I’ve established a connection or relationship with.

For me, it only made sense to do this and to do it now. You hear some people say “The things I’d do differently or to be your age again.” We all know someone who says it. The key is don’t be filled with regrets. Don’t let an emptiness that is yearning to be filled pass you by. Forget about the "What if?" lingering in your mind. If you don’t know what you want to do, that is completely fine. No one truly knows the specific details. That all comes with time and experience.

I know there are the quotes and motivational topics that tell you all of this. You don’t need me to repeat it. Here’s the thing: it can all be left as a quote or become a reality. It’s up to you to decide. This life is short but this life is amazing and beautiful. I’ve endured quite some hardships but they’ve circled me back into what I love and value. I'm sure you've experienced hard times too. Remember, it’s all a part of the plan. We need the patches of darkness to thrive in the light.

For the love of all that is great, do what YOU want to do. I, for some time, let others discourage me. And they will do the same for you. But while I start my journey toward my lifelong dream and reflect, I can say I’ve fully lived through my experiences. It's when you are the most alive. The people who support and believe in you is all that matters. It all begins with you believing in yourself. Chase your dreams and have the most fun doing it. There are so many amazing people and opportunities waiting for you.

You can do anything. Reach for the stars and go. I believe in you.

I’ll see you in the movies. Cheers and all of my love.

Your Friend,

Mike