A Playlist of My Life

Isabella Percontino '21

It was one of those days. The days where it feels as if life is fighting against you. My

mom picked me up and she drove as I sat silently in the car. I needed silence. When we reached

home I ran upstairs to my room and did not care what was in my path. I threw my backpack on

the floor, grabbed my phone, and jumped on the bed. I opened Spotify and clicked on my

playlist. As the music started, calmness fell over me.

Song #1: “Fools Who Dream” From La La Land. I have always been a dreamer.

Throughout my childhood, I dreamed of living in fictional worlds, becoming a fashion designer,

and even being on American Idol. My dreams were what kept me going, bringing enjoyment to

my life. At 13, I questioned my extravagant dreams. My dream filled self slowly started to drift

once I realized that unfulfilled dreams made my life worse. That was until I heard this song.

Watching this film about a dreamer gave me hope. I felt that this song was dedicated to me. It

was telling me that my dreams were never foolish. I should be a dreamer forever and let those

dreams be my motivation. So a dreamer I’ll continue being.

Song #2: “Almost There” from The Princess and The Frog. Disney was a huge part of

my childhood. Most people grow out of their Disney phase however, I never did. Whenever I

watch a Disney movie, I feel as if I am being transported back to my childhood, while learning a

new adult lesson from each movie. This song from The Princess and The Frog will continue to

be a favorite of mine. It is a song about hard work and dedication to a dream. In the movie, Tiana

told herself she was always “almost there”. The song reminds me of what I’m working for,

where I have been, and the motivation to keep pushing forward.

Song #3: “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde. Being exposed to Broadway at a

young age is what made me fall in love with theater. The stage has become my home, giving me

a way to express myself. As children, we find a role that speaks to us in a personal way. My

dream role was Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Elle spoke to me in a way no other character had.

At the beginning of 2020, I was lucky enough to get cast as Elle Woods. I never was able to take

the stage as Elle, however, continuing to practice So Much Better became more symbolic to me

than the part itself. It symbolizes that dreams may not go the way you want, but everything

happens for a reason. We may never understand why, but the dream will always remain a part of

you.

Song #4: “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. As I have grown up, I have questioned who

I am and what am I doing. Although I may not know the answers to where am I going? Will I be

successful? I remain vigilant. Born This Way has given me that confidence boost whenever I

have doubted myself. When Lady Gaga belts I'm beautiful in my way 'Cause God makes no

mistakes I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way I am reminded of I right where I am

supposed to be. Those moments of doubt are just moments.

I hit pause.

As I reminisce, I am reminded of why I deal with the overwhelming days. I

am doing this for a dream. I may not know what that dream is or how I will get there. However, I

know that no matter the obstacles I face I can do it with my favorite playlist playing in the

background.

I hit play.

“I’m on the right track, baby I was born this way.”