'Hamilton' Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's Advice for Student

"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda visits the Bronx Theater High School on Tuesday to talk about the creative process and answer student questions about writing and performing the Broadway musical. Photo: Steve Remich for The Wall Street Journal
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[@gabraellar6570]

And then his friend was like "Lin why do you write like you're running out of time?!"

[@nikkiu.2148]

😂😂😂

[@katherineknapp6604]

😊😊

[@angelazapata_official]

Omg, that's actually so funny haha!

[@ellarose865]

I NEEDED TO BE IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED

[@sicspoti9398]

Ella Rose I see what you did there. I got chu.

[@ellarose865]

Animeri Gaming 😂

[@hmiraldi4241]

But they kept me from the room where it happened

[@STEPHIEoficial]

In the train where it happened

[@humanbeing9946]

@@hmiraldi4241 for the last tiime (boards plane)

[@birdlawco]

This guy is the cutest I swear

[@andrewwhite5242]

John Laurens is Gay WE MEET AGAIN JOHN LAURENS IS GAY

[@angeladeleon193]

He really is & the best part is that you don't necessarily have to be in front of him to smile and feel his great vibes.

[@purin5167]

Ikr

[@Spleencil]

LOL, IKR

[@cuzwhynot9657]

I WAS UR THOUSAND LIKE

[@bluevortexpng1211]

*cries because that wasn't my high school*

[@BetteDavis19]

RIGHT

[@OboeChick99]

Serious "lin-spiration" for my week

[@simonlevine5521]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@awkwardconversations.-.6305]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@foolsparadise05]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jobama1980]

Take my like and get out!

[@stillatin]

Lin's "15 minutes of fame" better be an infinite time loop.

[@ikillkites]

I think we're good. He's up for an oscar for Moanna and is gonna be in the Mary Poppins remake.

[@saeedawhitaker2460]

He’s still going strong!

[@Koribaby1]

*sequel, not remake. But yes! :D Moana was amazing, too. @.@

[@gallifreyaninquisition4672]

[B] HAMILTON I'VE COME TO BARGIN

[@urmomdoer2315]

It is

[@laineylarsen245]

Lol I'm supposed to be writing an essay now - Okay, Lin. I won't give up.

[@ariellacohen9503]

This was my school that he went and the first thing he was talking about in this video was him answering my question 😍😍😍

[@Kyrbi0]

CELEBRITY!!

[@Mf7d89]

awesome!

[@andriuspluto7444]

AHHHHHHHHHHH

[@emilyindri1836]

That's so cool! What was the actual question?

[@BetteDavis19]

YOU ARE THE LUCKIEST PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE HOLY MYLANTA

[@DavidRivera-gc3hi]

It's been a bit more than 15 seconds and he's still going... Keep it up Lin-Manuel!!!

[@mitch464]

I look up to him so much and I don't look up to much people

[@8620586205]

I look up to everyone... i hate being short

[@ilovekitandruthieag]

John Hershey 😂😂😂. I'm pretty tall, but I could say the same about trump. I look down on him. No, but I loved that thank u for it!

[@theAWESOMEK]

Alyssa Mitchell jish is in your profile pic

[@edgyidiot2447]

Alyssa Mitchell right i have never really had an idol before i listened to hamilton then became obsessed then i discovered this dude and im like "holy shit this dude is amazing"

[@myanicole7404]

Sameee

[@taericaterrell2088]

I want to meet him so bad, he is such an inspiration, I am literally crying right now, surprising how a 14 year old wishes she can meet someone she'll probably never be able to meet

[@amandahovendon2143]

Don't ever say never:) I got to meet one of my favorite celebrities and it was just out of the blue. I couldn't even speak!

[@simonlevine5521]

Same here

[@ellamooren4284]

yh i wish i could meet him, but its kinda hard for a 13 yr old who lives in London

[@amandahovendon2143]

I want to meet Lin so badly too, but it will take time and patience and a whole lot of believing in miracles.

[@ellamooren4284]

+Amanda Hovendon that's a really nice thought in a weird way

[@Cassiopeian4eva]

He's just like Hamilton. Writing like he's running out of time. Never taking a break. But, my question is, what if your friend is not always there? Like, what if they get hurt by chance and you were too busy to hang out with them one last time? I feel like there needs to be a balance between those you love and your work. Remember that summer Hamilton didn't go upstate with his family?

[@autumnedits5373]

yes ofcourse life isnt all work, thats why lin was already on his way to a party meaning he does have fun at the same time. what he meant is sometimes you just cant go cause you got to work or you were suddenly inspired, but that doesnt mean locking yourself up forever. i guess i can relate cause i can get inspired out of nowhere and leave whatever im doing to write it down, though that doeasnt mean i stay at home for weeks to write a good poem.

[@lukeskywalker9060]

Apparently I write like lin and a founding father and apparently I sound like him

[@imabouttolosemymarbles7937]

I watch this whenever I get writers block, or when I don't wanna work. it usually helps a lot

[@andyaliaga3188]

about a week ago I was at a conference and someone asked us if anyone had a dream and my instant thought was "I wanna be Lin-Manuel Miranda when I grow up". Instead I said I wanted to write a musical and star in it, but it's the same thing xD

[@Paego_]

That actually means so much. A work means as much to the reader as it does the writer, and if you don't care enough to give it everything you have, why should they give anything to your story?

[@Annie-bj3tf]

Imagine Aaron Burr’s ghost whispering the chorus of “Wait for it” in Lin’s ear a couple of years ago... actually IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE FEATURED IN THE SHOW COMIMG DOWN FROM HEAVEN *ONLY* TO HELP LIN WRITE HAMILTON

[@mervecetin6365]

I am in love his eyebrows and how he uses them

[@Itsdania77]

Hi. My name is Niurka, and I have a friend named Arianna. We are 13, both in seventh grade, and we both look up to Lin-Manuel Miranda. I remember one day in math class Arianna was humming "Alexander Hamilton," and I was all like "what the hell are you humming?" She turned around and said, "the best musical in the world." I wasn't much of a musical fan back then. I was a book nerd. I was obsessed with the Partials series, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, etc. I rolled my eyes and just brushed it off, until I felt a nagging feeling on the back of my head. It was like it was driving me to Hamilton, telling me to look it up. Well, that night, I picked up my computer and searched it up...and what I found made me rethink everything. I stayed up until 4 in the morning listening and repeating the whole soundtrack until I was satisfied that I knew every lyrics, rhythm, and emotion of every song. The next day I walk up to Arianna and yelled, "JUST YOU WAIT." She even teared up, the smile on her face when she heard me say that made my whole heart skip a beat. The whole day we sang every song, danced every dance, rapped every rap until we were sure our teachers had enough of it. When we heard Lin was going to be writing songs for Moana, Arianna begged her choir teacher to let them sing some of the songs. When I heard my band director was planning on letting us give him some song suggestions for the spring concert, I even offered to PAY him to let us play "Alexander Hamilton," even if we couldn't play it correctly. He denied, but that didn't stop me. The choir teacher agreed on singing "How Far I'll Go," and by that time the Talent Show was going on, so Arianna and I decided on learning the song to enter together for the show. I played my clarinet while she sang, and we both won second place. The bond between us and Hamilton grew stronger. A couple weeks later, we heard that Hamilton was coming to Houston in 2018. We were so excited, until we found out that even one ticket for one of us would cost us more money than a new top-notch, upgraded laptop. We both were finding ways of getting enough money that we started a fundraiser in our school. We called it "Funds for the HamFam." We sold candy, old necklaces, even some homemade baked goods, but we only raised up about 126 out of 1,500. We're even considering entering some online writing and poem competitions in order to raise up enough money. We won't give up until we feel the texture of the tickets in our hands. I wrote all this because I just wanted to let you guys know how much Hamilton means to us. Hell, we'll cut off our left hands just to make eye contact with Lin. 😂

[@estherrosi-kessel5192]

I want Lin to give a speech at my school. That would be AMAZING

[@veggiebacon9243]

He does stuff like that and has all this determination while I'm here like 'Ya I basically just wanna live my life'. Why can't I be awesome like him? Why can't I have goals and achieve them?

[@singerspurpose]

I remember seeing this man on electric factory. I didn't have success to the internet then but when I got the chance, I learned how brilliant he is. Amazing.

[@Jailee1321]

This man is a gift to the world

[@acmac435]

1:00-1:07 gives me life

[@user-lv7me6li6q]

Lin is so easy to relate too

[@tomrakebluer1542]

its true its hard to maintain that energy and motivation that comes along with a brilliant idea..sometimes you just have to sacrifice a party and other fun things to work on that because if you put it on hold it will never be the same..

[@christalgallardo2241]

You have become my inspiration 😭❤️👏🏼

[@joaomartins4621]

I really needed to hear that. I'm writing a musical (adapting actually) and this helped me soooo much. He's incredible, as an artist and as a person. Thank you Lin Manuel Miranda ❤️✨

[@aidank.3588]

I love listening to Lin so much, he is so inspirational and even when I just listen to the musical soundtrack it makes me want to keep going and not give up :) and I totally understand what he means, so many tmes I have gotten out of bed in the middle of the night just to write down ideas that kept popping up in my head haha

[@Caroline-le8gm]

Same! I always have ideas for writing a song or scene in my head like when I wake up at 3 am to go to the bathroom!!

[@sydnywrght]

You just have to be like: "Lord, show me how to say no to this."

[@1stGenRecordz]

I see Aaron Burr found this video.

[@Shelby-bc8ct]

Four times. Both Theodosias, Aaron, and the friend who's birthday party was skipped by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

[@Xenathu]

Shelbs LOL and Thomas Jefferson

[@monsterenergydrink7938]

why is no one talking about 0:59 - 1:07 😂😂

[@birdlawco]

I think there's a meme of that on Tumblr 😂

[@rachelllj]

OH MY GOD LIN COME TO MY SCHOOL AND GIVE ME ADVICE PLZZZ MY SCHOOL NEEDS IT

[@amberlybonilla3234]

I nEEDED TO BE IN THAT ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED

[@TokyoBlue587]

I think I can watch him all day

[@angelanguyen8602]

this is so good!!! i wish there was even more footage. but great q's & a's!!

[@ellagrace5324]

If Lin-Manuel Miranda came to my school I would be shook. Literally shook. But really happy and freaking out at the same time

[@cheerydisposition7106]

Okay but I actually cried while watching this because Lin is such a sweet person and he is a huge insporation to me and although he isnt giving me personally this advice it still appies to every person that has watched it. I might just be some hamiltrash but because of Hamilton I found Lin and he has really changed my whole mativation to get by school and just life in general.

[@micochan6117]

Friends at the party that invited him: Hey thanks for coming! Lin: happy birthday but I have to go Friends: sTaY Lin: . . . Lin: Show me how to say no to this! That is what I thought!!!!

[@mariac.r.1745]

i feel so inspired

[@ebenezernyenwe1677]

Not even lying "Wait for it" is one of my favorite songs

[@aliciaguetle9524]

I'm twelve and lin is a huge inspiration to me, is that weird?

[@fivelanjamaa3404]

Alicia rose nope, I'm 9 and hamiltons my life XD

[@aliciaguetle9524]

FivelanPlays AJ your a very smart nine year old :)

[@fivelanjamaa3404]

Alicia rose XD

[@ilovekitandruthieag]

I'm 14, and I am obsessed with him. If I meet him, I'll probably die right then in there. And it would be the best thing ever because it's Lin Manuel!

[@aliciaguetle9524]

The Linnamon roll

[@lax2652]

He's such an Alexander Hamilton when it comes to his work work

[@sythlorde]

hay, we were not supposed to get this inspirational message!! glad a camera was in the room.

[@carolynhamilton6870]

Yeah, now it's like we were on the room where it happened

[@sythlorde]

Carolina Heilander yep, we wouldve had to be in this highschool at this moment, I like thinking about things like that sometime

[@nalachincuanco]

thank u wall street journal for this video. i always always watch this video when im having trouble writing

[@makinley.s]

Lin trying to be relatable is the best thing I've ever witnessed

[@nalachincuanco]

its 2021 and I still go back to this video whenever I feel unmotivated to work

[@chrissies5442]

"You have to say no to your friends to say yes to your work" Everyone: Awwwwwww Me: ALEXANDER YOU BETTER LISTEN TO THIS ADVICE

[@taruuuu]

he is such an inspiration???? like he gets me through the day when i have nothing else to look forward to. i wish i knew him so i could thank him.

[@noe9580]

I WISH I WAS THEEEEEERE

[@simonlevine5521]

But no one else was in the room where it happened

[@sincerecinnamon]

I'm glad he was asked that question. I was wondering the same thing

[@devon6236]

And this is when I found the school I want to go to.

[@Maryjane022]

He's so kind and amazingly talented! 😊📚

[@angeladeleon193]

I needed this advice more than I thought I did.

[@catherinebarra6223]

So much love for this guy ❤️❤️

[@fatimazein7713]

Im 14 and im crying rn because i just live in lebanon and i cant travel to america or wherever to meet him...when i grow up I will travel there to meet him becuase lin is my idol and inspiration i love him so much and hamilton is my obsession...wish me luck to meet the best man ever..l hope from all my heart and pray everyday that I can meet him and talk to him....I love you Lin❤️

[@em6153]

this is the advice i always come back to. sometimes, you just need to get on the train back home and finish your song.

[@user-mr2yr9ch8p]

I just want Lin to give me an inspirational lecture before every class. lol! you're a great guy, man

[@messedup8763]

That’s so motivational!!!

[@TokyoBlue587]

so inspiring and wonderful

[@katherineknapp6604]

LIN, IS SO CUTE AND SO INSIGHTFUL AND SO FUNNY AND SO CARING, THAT I FALL MORE IN LOVE WITH HIS HEART THAN ANYTHING ELSE EVERYTIME I HEAR HIM SPEAK! YOU ROCK LIN, KEEP BEING YOU!!!! ❤😊

[@meariterezu4309]

He is just my INSPIRATION.. *I SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO LOVE YOU MY LINNAMON ROLL EVEN IF YOU DONT KNOW ME I LOVE YOU!!!!*

[@alessandramontes8318]

They have been blessed. YOU HEAR THAT BLESSED!!!!!

[@aether413]

He is definitely my spirit animal

[@Vanessa-gs9mj]

Bless his beautiful soul!

[@broadway2340]

this has been sorta helpful since it was short but I'm also writing a play and its stressful, I have so many ideas what to write but what gets me is the songs, I'm usually gonna do jukebox musicals but I’ll do original story as well but every time I start to write half of it I give up, but the idea is still in my head :(

[@judithallison4598]

Corona Lisa I love your profile pic and just keep trying:)

[@ilovetweek000]

i heard that they’re making hamilton into a film but they don’t know when but i’m willing to wait for it

[@nalachincuanco]

Honestly, I go to 1:18 onwards whenever I feel like giving up on homework. Thanks so much. Lin!

[@norahidvegi2848]

:) :) :)

[@sarahaljamal2218]

Look around look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now! with Lin in this life its gonna be great!

[@urmomdoer2315]

I would cry if I ever got to meet him.

[@slux33]

Hes amazing

[@tiaamerica6330]

I don't know why but always that I tried to write a musical, this man is my inspiration. Really, I wish be like him when I grow up. Is that weird?

[@barbiefata34]

This man is an inspiration.

[@iris5657]

this us why I love Lin so much...

[@Eva-ow7pu]

Why couldn't this have been my school?! 😫

[@aliciarinko6865]

he is my literal ROLE MODEL

[@silvermist-wd7oi]

I just love this man

[@sweetboyollie9749]

COME TO MY SCHOOL LIN!!! PLEAAAASSSSEE!!!😢

[@insomniacisawake]

the jeep landed in the dirt

[@lenahill8034]

We must protect this treasure at all costs

[@MattVargas]

Lin would be the most emotionally inspiring dad.

[@morningboy_]

I love him

[@golvic1436]

That is the best advice for creatives ever. Push through that moment of doubt. Get that idea down. All us creatives hit that wall and you just gotta push though to the other side becuase leaving your idea in your brain is where great ideas die.

[@thediddlydilnots6117]

He’s just so cool isn’t he

[@Squidrienn]

This video is the weirdest thing I ever cried about...because I always give up on myself but...I shouldn't! Thank you Lin!

[@katherineknapp6604]

I LOVE LIN BECAUSE HE INPRIES ME ON THE DAILY!

[@underwaterboot8074]

“i wILL! JUST YOU WAIT”

[@kateh5446]

1:00 😂❤️

[@feuxfurfox729]

This is the cutest thing😂❤️

[@eimearkeaveney1192]

I want to be in the room where THAT happened.

[@lukehodgson30]

Cool fun play

[@WeirdGlow]

and just in case you feel like giving up, just remember that "HAMILTON WROTE THE OTHER 51!"

[@lukeskywalker9060]

Apparently I write like a founding father and apparently I write like lin and apparently I sound like lin

[@orangedoggoanimations9051]

-you could probably smell the anxiety in that room-

[@amayajones68]

Is there a full version out of curiosity?

[@thedresslady1135]

You have to say no to your friends and say yes to your work Finally he said no to this

[@katie6526]

His such a beautiful man

[@laurenbrady5829]

THIS IS WHERE THE MEME CAME FROM

[@ekdaufin1485]

💖

[@chloebutler8438]

The title says "advice for student" Only one student Who gets it? There is only one answer *The Hamil-Games*

[@chloebutler8438]

may the odds be ever in your favor

[@softplacetoland]

@chloebutler oh my god 😂

[@leif1075]

How exactly do you push through it? And how can you still have time for free time??