Discouraging words and embarassment can keep people from pursuing their dreams and passions.

Daniel Lee, 23, however, has learned to overcome this pesimism and in turn also found that his singing was never as bad as his parents once told him.

“When I was 12 years old, I used to love singing and performing but I was told by my own parents that I was horrible and should stop,” Lee said.

“Faced with that humiliation and with a few others, I decided not to sing ever again.”

Lee kept the vow for 10 years until a turn in his life changed his firm decision.

“I was 22 years old when I first sang again and that was because my current girlfriend forced me to go to karaoke. I remember I even threatened to breakup with her if I was humiliated again,” Lee said.

Lee didn’t believe it that night when people complemented his singing.

“I was told by the patrons of the karaoke place that I have a fantastic voice. Of course, I didn’t believe it,” Lee said.

After being told he had a nice voice, Lee started taking voice lessons here at El Camino this semester and started gaining confidence.

“Thanks to El Camino and my wonderful professor Rhonda Dillon, I feel even more confident about my abilities,” Lee said.

Lee is especially more confident since the praises have come from his teacher and his peers.

“I received countless compliments from people before but somehow it never made me feel confident,” Lee said.

Lee said that sometimes just saying something isn’t good enough for a person to understand; one must show through “body and emotion.”

“Singing is a good way to accomplish that,” Lee said.

“After all is said and done, I feel confident about myself since her opinion carries so much weight. I trust her as a professional and performer to critique me,” Lee said.

Lee still has anxieties performing in front of an audience but inspires to one day overcome his anxieties and “truly allow the music to flow through” him, Lee said.

“I’ve always had a problem with that, I suppose it’s because I know I’m exposing myself to the world for judgment,” Lee said.

Lee continues to pushes himself to try and overcome his anxieties by enter singing competitions.

One of the competitions that he auditioned for was “American Idol” for the third season, Lee said.

“One week after finding out I had pontential, I tried out for “American Idol. It was a great experience considering I managed to get past the first round,” Lee said.

Lee has learned that the key factor to being a good performer and to stay calm is to be relaxed.

“Relaxation is the key to a good performance. Knowing the proper ways of breathing and standing while being relaxed is very important,” Lee said.

“The vocal class has helped me solidify my belief that relaxation is key.” Lee said.

As Lee currenlty records a demo tape, he hopes to be signed with Universal in the next few years.

Lee would also like to work with David Romano who is recording artist Josh Gro ban’s vocal instructor.

“I love classical pop, I love the technical and deep aspect of classical with the more relaxed and playful attitude of pop,” Lee said.

“I love songs that are technically challenging but easy to understand and listen to,” Lee said.

Lee advises aspiring singers to be passionate at what they do and to prove to themselves that they can do it, Lee said.

“I’m passionate about everything in life, anyone that knows me knows that everything I speak about or do is done with passion, singing is no different,” Lee said.