Whew! Where does the time go!? It sure has been a while since I wrote my last update! My apologies-I might have to update you every two months! I hope all is well and productive in your lives. Please feel free to read and respond at your leisure. You may want to grab a couple boxes of Oreo’s, Cheetos, or Ocean Spray Craisins (my mom got me hooked) and lounge to read this post. As I am writing this I’m eating Craisins and brownies (it’s the new diet that really works…Try it!!!).


Thanks for your time,

Nathaniel

The primary purpose of this update is to let you know that USC beat Oregon yesterday!!!

Just Kidding-

LIFE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

I must say my brain has never rattled with so much confusion…In the past few months at USC, I have convinced myself Accounting should not exist, professors DO care, and girls have traded in short-shorts for extremely short-short-short-short –(…)-shorts. In reference to the last statement, I have only been observing to provide you with statistical data that may someday assist you in your endeavors (yeah right)…

In regards to academics, it has been quite an adjustment realizing that I need to work harder and seek help when I need it (and right now…I NEEEEEED it). But I promised myself I would work hard and that is exactly what I will do. I am now a volunteer tutor for the Chaka Kahn (the singer) Foundation I have decided that I want to brave the gusty winds of student perils and become a Resident Assistant next year. Gradually, I am meeting people, getting involved, and exemplifying REAL TROJAN PRIDE ( I am thinking of buying a dog for the sole purpose of buying a USC dog cape)

Recently I have noticed that LA has changed me…No, I am not a habitual Starbucks drinking-Surfer -homeskillet-guy, but I have become a MANIAC of a driver. I would describe it as bipolar to the tenth degree…Think of the Pillsbury dough boy’s evil twin brother who burns cookies- and you’d probably come a little close to how I am on the 101, 405, or 110. It is only by God’s grace and mercy that I have not gotten another ticket!

Living in LA has exacerbated the tensions I have been having with my bank account…She now hates me and I think she wants a divorce. Not having a job has escalated the already exacerbated tensions and I think she will win custody of the 0 assets that we currently share…Things are so expensive (referencing parking)!!! I went to the ucla (please notice how ucla is NOT capitalized) Medical Clinic and was told to pay $12 to park despite only having to stay 30 minutes for a blood test! WHATTT!??? Not only do they want to bill my insurance hundreds of dollars but they feel the need to destroy my already disintegrating relationship (with Wells Fargo)??? NOT COOL!

However, aside from my failing relationship, life is a blessing and I am still amazed to think that God has blessed, is blessing, and will (with faith) continue to bless me with opportunities.

ENTERTAINMENT ENDEAVORS

While I may not have gotten the role that I talked about in my previous update, I sure have been busy! Auditions have really picked up for me and I am starting to go out for more tv auditions in addition to commercial auditions. I had the opportunity to audition for “The Office” and meet Emmy award winning casting director, Allison Jones! She also used to cast Fresh Prince (way back when), Spin City, among many other shows! I felt beyond honored to be called into her office!

My agent is really putting in work and so am I, and we are still hoping for a breakthrough). It’s been quite difficult to balance school, studying, scene-study acting class, and auditioning, but I’m making it happen captain! In addition to television and commercial auditions, I am also auditioning for a lot of student films (it’s pretty serious how they make us audition). I recently filmed a USC sag student film and played the lead role of a troubled student during the apartheid in South Africa (great experience). I also landed a supporting role in CSUN student film in which stereotypes are questioned and roles are changed(shoots next week).

I was reading an article in which Robert De Niro said he got his start in student films. Now, by NOOOO means would I ever put Robert De Niro and myself in the same category, but it’s refreshing to read that not every successful actor was discovered on the side of the road eating a Mickey D’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese and waiting for the Metro. Imagine if ever actor was… What a world it would be! He had a difficult time finding his first project and really went through some struggles in New York…

My audition toll-count keeps on increasing and sometimes I fear that my agent is going to put me on his BLACKLIST (not referencing my race in any way, shape, or form) and stop sending me out…But I have made it a point to show them I am working hard and with time/opportunities/ & faith, a breakthrough is going to happen. I feel that God is making my testimony stronger through patience and while God does not guarantee success or fortune, blessed are those who endure.

My whole focus on matriculating into the Entertainment field spans many different areas. NO I don’t sing or dance…yet- but I can do a pretty mean impression of Luther Vandross… “Mean” as in he would intentionally “mean” to rip out my vocal chords for attempting to sing “Here and Now” if he were still alive. But I did officially declare a minor in Cinematic Arts in addition to my major in Business and I also continue to write scripts. I get inspired by examining life’s obstacles, people I see, and you (don’t be surprised if a character in one of my scripts has your first/last name, facial appearance, physical stature, and life history). I am also in the process (2nd interview) of possibly interning in the Casting Department at NBC Universal but that might change if I get offered a Disney internship….WHY? Because Disney pays! One day I WILL own my own production company and make films and produce scripts that make people think…Yes, I am very sick of reality television and Vampire centered tv shows and films…lol


ENDING COMMENTS:

The past two months have taught me that valleys and hills only make the canvass more textured. Ups and downs in our lives only add to the conglomeration of events and experiences that make us who we are. Keep progressing through your obstacles and feel free to share them with me if you want. Today is a NEW DAY and thanks for reading!

*****HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BRO KOBBY SIMONS***** TODAY!

Nathaniel

…AND AGAIN…
In addition to the previous celebrities that I have been told I look like, please add the following to the list (wow…once again- black men DO NOT all look alike!)

1. Taye Diggs
2. Derek Luke
3. Lance Gross
4. Denzel Washington (okay- so I added this one…but a little bit…c’mon? maybe in the eyes? …No? Didn’t think so…lol)

TIPS for today and the future…

1. Always carry extra water in your car. You never know when someone might need it.

2. Ask yourself what you are doing to progress in life. Are you comfortable where you are or have you settled because of a lack of perceived opportunities (Remember: You can do anything you put your mind to)

3. Always change for a meter…in LA

4. Pick up a hobby (I’m working on this one…Salsa dancing or Tae-Kwon Doe- I’m leaning towards the Salsa…lol

5. Instead of only forgiving but not forgetting, choose to throw away anything that connotes negative or hurtful memories in your life. Do harbor excess pain through remember bad things. Forgiveness is not always only for the other person but rather for you. It takes more effort to stay mad at someone than it does to forgive them.