Zachariah Highgate

Dear Zee,

Part of me wishes I could bring you to this moment so that you could see all that you will accomplish one day. The other part of me doesn’t, because I know every struggle and setback will teach you what you need to know to make it here. I know it’s difficult for us to trust the process and have patience when things don’t turn out just right. Raised to strive for perfection, it’s hard for us to accept inadequacies and faults from ourselves as well as others. It is important to remember that while no one is perfect, you can learn something from everyone. Do not underestimate the lessons you can learn from others - even when they present themselves in strange ways. Some will take more time and experience to understand and that is okay. Enjoy the journey and embrace the people that become your chosen family to the fullest. They are the gems that make up your world.

Coming from a painful childhood, where you’ve been judged and misunderstood, will impact your reality today. To be an artist, especially a rapper, will take confidence you didn’t get to build growing up. You will have to harness this in your own unique way and develop it over time. One of the main things you and I were made fun of for growing up was our voice. What if I told you that now, people want to hear your voice all the time? They want to hear your music, your words, your speeches, your presentations…they believe in the words you’re saying and want to hear more. Crazy right? I sometimes wonder if our childhood bullies saw our potential and tried to snuff it out before it could take form. This is not about them, though, this is about us. I can tell you that you’ll make it here, but you’ll have to work for it. Hone your skills, fight your fears, and push forward even when there is uncertainty. When you are different (androgynous), and unique (multiracial), there will be judgment. You will be polarizing and there will be those that make assumptions before you even walk into a room with them. Such is the way in this cold, cold world. Do not stop pushing forward, for there will also be love and support from the most random places - trust me. That will need to be your reminder when things get tough, because they will. However, I know it’s nothing you can’t handle as long as you keep the faith and believe in yourself.

You can’t do everything alone, though. There will be people willing to support you and resources available to lighten the load. Lean into these, even when you’re scared and don’t want to trust. These are there for a reason and they are ready for you, if you would only just reach out to them. I know that it can sometimes feel easier to do things on your own. I get that, indeed I do. You and I know what betrayal and trusting in the wrong people can do to us. It can hurt. It can sting. It can scar. However, those painful experiences hold momentum that can propel us towards better people and greater experiences. I’m sure you still don’t really believe me, but I wouldn’t lead us down the wrong path, would I? Fine, okay, I still struggle with trust - but I’m getting so much better! And I’m taking chances, slowly but surely, in order to see if the results are worth the risk. So far, they have been. Plus, if I’m telling you to believe in yourself, I’m also telling you to believe in me. Try it!

There’s so much more I want to tell you but I’ll leave you with this. You will experience joy. Joy from making music that tells your story. Joy from writing tales that speak to your experiences. Joy from meeting incredible people in Toronto (and in the world) who will lift your spirits when they’re down and share new opportunities to showcase your art. Joy in the privilege of being a recording artist long after you begin. Joy in seeing your own progress and knowing there is so much more to come. Joy in finding inner strength and fortitude when you need it. You will evolve. You will grow. You will smile. Just stay the course and do the best you can, while being gentle with others (and with yourself). I know you can do it and I’ll always have your back. I have to! It’s my back too, you know? See you soon, Zee. The future is so much more than you can imagine. You’ll see what I mean when you get here. Until then, keep on! I love you.