Magic is not only an art for me, but a form of escape. To say I've learned a lot in the past year is true. I want to increase my knowledge and experience, and I think Magic-Con can help me.
Magic has always been my go-to activity when I'm bored or in a bad mood. The ability to conjure up a world of wonder astounds me. Yes, I know the secrets, but I get to present that amazing moment. Isn't that what magic really is? Not sleights and gimmicks, not gaffed cards or coin shells, but the ability to make a total stranger in total awe.
I'm sure there are much more deserving people who've posted in this thread. Some have made elaborate videos with Vegas Pro editing and Dana Hocking music, and normally I'd be one of them - in an effort to look nice and polished - but my computer's been on the fritz as of late. But I would like to go. Let me elaborate.
I feel I need a lot of experience and knowledge. See, I came from the Ellusionist school of, "Penguin Magic is bad. Instant downloads are NOT the way to go. Learn only this type of magic. It's OK to do magic." Then I transferred to the school of higher thinking, wherein open-mindedness is encouraged. I've learned a lot since then, but I still have much to go.
I want to be a better performer. I feel I'm not presenting my art correctly, and that can put it to shame. I want to do better service to magic, and how can I do so if I never learn? It doesn't help that, like a lot of young magicians today, I'm cash-strapped, and a trip to California with registration for the event itself, airfare, a hotel room - and on top of that, spending money! - might run upwards to over $1,000. Now that just isn't the kind of thing I can afford. I've come from rougher situations, but even in the present there are some difficulties. So needless to say giving a free trip would be a relief. It would just grant me the kind of opportunity that's far beyond my reach.
It would be a dream trip that only the most elite of society may be able to afford. I mean, come on, a room at the Hilton Bayfront??? It looks incredibly stunning, but I get the impression that it's the kind of hotel Paris Hilton herself can't even afford! From rags to riches is one thing, but this is a whole other ball game, and they simply won't let me play.
Taking a look at the guest list, there are the most amazing magicians in the world, or at least some of them - Danny Garcia, Chris Kenner, the Buck twins, John Carney, Bill Goodwin, Max Maven, Apollo Robbins, and many more - who will all put their time and effort in ensuring that event-goers will have the best time possible. So to skip out on a window of opportunity like this would be a fool's errand.
And then, best of all, the Guest of Honor: Juan Tamariz is magic at its best. I attest to the statement that he is the greatest performer alive, so to see him in person would be an honor and a great experience. Just the little nuances of how he performs are incredible. He inspires so greatly. A chance to learn from him, let alone watch him live, would be priceless. Well, I guess registration's around $300. (little joke there.)
And I feel I deserve to go. I've come a long way from where I used to be, in life and in magic, and I think Magic-Con would increase that advancement tenfold. It would be a great experience for me. I've never been to California, and I've never seen any of these magicians before. Learning from them and seeing them is a great, incredulous, dreamlike experience that I hope I will get the privilege of having.
I've had decidedly hard times in my life, and for once I'd like a few minutes of joy - or, in this case, a few days. I am better off, don't get me wrong, but when there's something that is a hope for me but is out of my reach, there are always almost no chances at obtaining that dream goal. With this contest, you've given that chance.
I want to be a better magician and have a fun time. Is that so wrong to ask? I feel I do deserve it, not as a reward or a special surprise, but because I've learned from the past and am more than willing to learn in the future. It would just be an amazing experience I would recall in my aging years.
The Magic-Con experience is more than just magic. It's a sightseeing tour, a world of attractions, a natural beauty, and much more. To learn magic on top of a vacation is just wonderful.
So in closing, I think I deserve to go because I have a chance for improvement in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity otherwise just a distant dream for me. Thank you for taking time to read this, and I hope you make the best decision. That might not be me, but whomever goes will undoubtedly deserve it.
Ian