The things I've learned so far

Like Eminem you have to take whatever opportunities come.  It's totally up to you to determine the direction your career will head.  I mean you only have so much control over the circumstances but you have absolute control over how you choose to deal with your circumstances.

Everyone has been blessed with a certain amount of ability.  It is our jobs to hone our crafts and be as prepared as possible for when opportunity stares us in the face.  We may only have one chance to make a first impression and you want to make sure that first impression is the best first impression you can make.

A lot of viewers come to see Beyonce as a little girl.

Eminem and Beyonce's stories come to mind when you think of an artist who wanted their careers so bad only to have slipped on their first opportunity.  That seemed to made them even more determined to never quit.  I admire those stories because it reminds me that when you have a chance to prove yourself you may not be given that second chance so make it your best, give it your all, and don't let anyone tell you you can't.