I knew who I was from a very young age, according to my mom I was always born to perform. I was dancing before I could walk and adored music. At a young age, my mom had put me in children's beauty pageants and a bonding activity for her and I. This was before these pageants were full of fake lashes and hair; nothing but natural beauty and personality. I had a whole lot of personality to share. I had won multiple titles as a kid even at a regional level. Unfortunately, over time these pageants became too fake and my mom pulled me. ​

​But that didn't stop me from continuing to be on the stage. Very ​soon after that, I went into a local dance company that was run by the city. It never went to anything national but I continued to dance with this company for 12 years. 6 years of Ballet, 1 year of Hip-Hop, 1 year of Pom, 4 years of Tap, 2 years of contemporary, 5 years of Jazz. You could tell that ballet and jazz were my favorites, and to this day still are. After I left the company I went on to do 3 years of Ballet Folklorico, which allowed me to explore dance in other cultures and better understand the beauty of dance. Since then I have danced for 2 other company's later in life that were more advanced.

Beyond actually being on the stage myself, seeing others on stage was a larger influence to me. Seeing the Nutcracker for the first time as a kid I believe changed me for the better. Getting to witness so much passion and beauty on stage made me feel something that I didn't know was possible. Leaving that performance I knew that I wanted to be on the stage and make others feel the same way I did at such a young age. A few years after that I got to see Wicked on broadway at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, which to this day is one of my favorite musicals of all time. 

Freshman year is where I had first started to really get invested into the arts. I had done it for all 3 years in middle school and I had fun but it wasn't something I was seriously committed to. My freshman through junior year, I spent at Murrieta Valley High School in my hometown.  My first show at MV was Rudolph Jr. Although many would say this is a silly and forgettable show, I will never forget it. I was still just coming out of Covid and didn't have many friends or an idea of who I was over wanted to be. This is why I can say with my full chest, auditioning that day was the best decision I've ever made. From that day forward, I had a community, friends, people to look up to, and I learned my passions. This was what I wanted to do forever. 

Theatre has not only blessed me with growing as a person but gave me some of the most important people of my life. This includes my best friend, Abby Russell. I got close to Abby my freshman year and have been inseparable ever since. Abby has not only been there for me throughout high school but regularly pushed me to become better than I ever thought was possible. From freshman year through junior year we have done every performance together, supported one another, and helped each other become better. In an industry as competitive as this one, this friendship reminds me that you can both want the same thing and still be there for those around you. ​

In all, theatre is what makes my blood pump and my heart thrive. In a world that is cold and harsh, performing is my escape. It will always be the light at the end of the darkest tunnel and set my clipped wings free. It has taught me  a level of hardwork and understanding that no textbook could. It's given me a community worth nations. Empathy that could put hugs to shame, and pride that outshines the sun. All in all, being on the stage is who I am and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am unable to express the level of gratitude I have for this elective because in my heart and in my skin I feel that its more than just an "extra curricular". This is what I am meant to do.