Another opportunity to support the arts begins this week, with the opening of Les Miserables. Presented by the UK Opera Theatre, the play marks the first production of the classic musical in Lexington.

What really gives Les Mis staying power is its story: sometimes heart wrenching, sometimes beautiful, always engaging and valuable. So what can we learn from the struggles of “the wretched ones?

While Les Mis is partially about injustice and suffering, it is also about love and compassion. It is about virtue and perseverance.

Life can be tough.

School, jobs and relationships can all cause us to struggle, to stumble on the road to where we are going.

That is why we relate so well to Valjean.

Sometimes we feel like inmate 24601, and sometimes we feel like the mayor of the town.

Whatever path we set ourselves on, the only thing we know for sure is this: it will be long.

Our goal, then, should be to live our lives according to our virtues and caring for those important to us so that we can end our lives in the kind of peace that Valjean is afforded.

What does that mean for you?  Whatever the answer and whatever struggles college throws your way, I hope that you reach out to the people around you.

With this in mind, go see the show. Support your fellow students as they take on this epic production. UK Opera Theatre is truly one of the best in the country.

Supporting them, and as our other esteemed arts programs, produces a more deeply held appreciation of refined culture, enhancing and broadening your college experience.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 to 13 and Oct. 16 to 20, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20. Student tickets cost $20.50.

Roshan Palli is the student body president. His column appears every Wednesday in the Kernel.

Email opinions@kykernel.com.