This is for anyone thinking of taking Nelson's class

Put the seat belts on. 

Take out the headphones. 

Put the freakin books away and listen.

Let's get some things straight before you even think of taking this class.

1. Nelson's beyond us. 

I'm not saying that so he'll want to share this with next year's class, 

I'm saying this cause it's true. 

He tries harder than any teacher you'll find,

 and I'm pretty sure he's the only one with a good reason 

to have a beard.

(And never believe him when he seems "insecure" in class. He knows what he's doing, trust me.) 

2. Your journal is your everything. 

Not the forgotten,

 or the last thing on your to do lists.

 Put effort into it and you'll find there's a feeling at the end of the semester

 when you look through it that's indescribable. 

3. Write at night. 

Just do it. 

You'll hear heart beats in each key you type,

 in every space bar you press. 

Just do it. 

3.5 Listen to the right music while writing. 

It makes things so much better. 

4. Be the Phantom. 

No one wants to be the safe choice, the back up plan. 

Everyone likes the risk, the excitement, the passion. 

(Also never hate someone as much as Nelson hates Raoul)

5. COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT.

Leave comments, tell them what made your heart beat louder,

 when you had to stop and grab a blanket, 

what hit you the hardest. 

As much as you love comments on your own writing, 

other people do too. 

6. Dress up when Nelson gives you dress up days. 

Don't be the lame people that think it's lame to dress up. 

But I guess there always has to be

 that one party pooper. 

7. Always carry a jacket. 

Cause when the mic drops so does the temperature. 

Chills all over.  

8. Take notes.

If there's anything you'll learn in this class,

it will at least be through your notes. 

And Nelson says some pretty crazy ish, 

So it's always best to have some evidence handy for blackmail. 

9. READ READ READ READ READ. 

You will never become better if you aren't challenging yourself. 

If you don't ignite new ideas from other things you read.

 STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST.  

10. *most important* 

You're not trying to impress others, 

you're trying to impress yourself. 

Get over the idea of perfection, of proving yourself to everyone. 

You are enough. 

And the creativity that leaks from your lips and fingers 

is something to hold on to. 

Seriously, this class changes lives. 

This class is the ocean people in the desert wish they could hear.

 It's the North Star no one can ever find. 

It's the book you can't put down, 

then wish would go on forever when you finish it the next day.

 This class doesn't wait for all passengers to be inside before taking off, 

you have to set your alarm early, 

get a good seat. 

Cause I can promise you, it'll be over before you know it.