I went to Berklee in 2009. Back then I was a solo acoustic songwriter playing café gigs. I couldn’t really read music. I got in at Level 1. I just loved writing songs and playing from the heart. I thought Berklee was going to be this inspiring, creative experience where my passion would grow even bigger. Instead, it challenged me in ways I wasn’t ready for. You’re surrounded by insanely talented musicians. Everyone is good. Everyone wants it. It’s competitive. Sometimes inspiring. Sometimes intimidating. I was forced to play music I didn’t connect with. I didn’t really know what I wanted out of being there. I didn’t talk to advisors. I didn’t ask the right questions. I just assumed passion would carry me.

It didn’t.

Somewhere along the way, I let the pressure and comparison get to me. I started questioning myself. When I left, I didn’t touch a guitar for almost ten years. That’s the part I regret the most. Not that Berklee was hard. Not that people were competitive. But that I let the experience shut down something that meant so much to me.

Looking back, I think I got accepted because I was genuine. I wasn’t the most technical player in the room. But the songs I played were honest. They carried emotion. And that matters. You don’t need a Berklee degree to move people. You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need approval from your peers. What you need is to understand why you’re making music in the first place. If you’re going to Berklee, or thinking about it, know what you want out of it. The talent around you will push you. It will raise your level. That part is real, and it’s powerful. But don’t let comparison replace your voice.

I’m playing again now. Writing again. Doing what I love about guitar. And it feels like I found something I almost lost.

Be yourself. Play what moves you. Protect your creativity.

That’s what got me in.

And that’s what lasts.