Think of a playing card, any playing card.

At age 15, Patrick Casto would be shown his first magic trick. That trick would spark his interest in learning and performing magic.

Patrick has been performing magic ever since his sophomore year.  During lunch in Cafeteria 3, you can find him showing off his skills to various crowds. 

Magic has brought about many opportunities for Patrick, so I wanted to ask him what magic is all about.

And your card was the Ace of Spades.

What’s the name of your favorite trick to perform?
My favorite card trick is either the “Ambitious Card Trick” or “Fool Me Once”.

Do you have any magicians you look up to?

David Blaine is the top magician that I look up to [and] Shin Lin from America’s Got Talent.

Why do you perform at school?

I don’t have time after school, plus the fact that it’s easier to fool everyone in school.

Have you thought about teaching anyone else magic? Maybe starting something at school?

I’m trying to find my protégé right now. I have a few people but no main person right now, and no, magic is just for the fun of it.

Have you connected with people because of magic? Made any friends?

Definitely. I found two of my closest friends with magic. It’s fun to go and talk to people to see their faces.

Do any of your family members practice magic?

[No], I’m the only one that does magic.

Do you plan on doing anything correlated with magic in college?

[No]. Magic was more of me trying to overcome my shyness and to have fun.

Do you feel like magic gives you a voice you normally wouldn’t have?

Yes. It allowed me to overcome my introversion and be able to talk through cards.

Has magic taught you any important lessons?

Magic taught me two things, be confident and have fun.

Has magic given you any life skills?

[It has given me] life skills such as being able to talk to people, improvising on the spot, and being a good liar at the proper time.

Do you plan on advancing your magic skills into a career or is it just for fun?

Mainly for fun. I love to learn new ones whenever I can.

What would you say to anyone who wants to start doing magic?

To anyone who wants to start magic, remember the three rules. Be confident, be respectful, and even if you mess up, have fun in the process.

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks to the people who are willing to watch me do tricks. I hope I was able to make you smile, even if it was [only] a little bit.