Having Fiona Fairrie as my teacher, my mentor and my support system was, and still is, the most fortunate thing I have come across. She has taught me how to be a ballerina, but more importantly she set an example of the type of person I strive to be.

Lucky for me, she started her own pre-professional training program my senior year of high school. Within just the one year, she helped me see that I could have the life of a professional dancer if I worked hard enough. With that encouragement, I worked harder than I ever have for anything. I didn't want to get in my own way, making my own laziness the reason I couldn't achieve success.

I definitely can't take all the credit. The environment she set up for us was incomparable to any other I've been apart of. There was a unique balance of discipline and camaraderie that made our small class into a safe haven. Everyone wanted to be better than their best, but also wanted success for everyone else. There never was negativity between students, and that is a very rare find.

I honestly believe this program and environment had a lot to do with my successes during the year. Knowing that I never had to be afraid of facing anything alone because my teacher and peers stood behind me 100 percent boosted my spirits whenever I felt like I was in a rut.

Receiving a traineeship with the Boston Ballet was the verification I thought I needed. Having gotten the opportunity to dance with them was something I never thought I would be able to achieve, and I wouldn't have if it weren't for Ms. Fiona.

Although I ultimately decided this wasn't the path for me anymore, I don't regret a single second of the time I spent training this past year. I gained discipline and time management skills. I learned the importance of being supportive to others and having support from others. I wasn't just trained in ballet technique, but I was shown how a good work ethic can get you wherever you want to go.

Being a part of this conservatory program was truly a blessing. I gained life long friendships and built a bond with these girls that I know will always have my back and hopefully know I will always have theirs.

The relationship I was able to form with my teacher is so strong and will never be broken, even as I leave the ballet world. She is someone I can always call for advice or for sharing good news. Her door is always open to me and that is something really special; something I will always cherish and never take for granted.

My experiences this year shaped me to be stronger and a hard worker no matter what field I'm in. My journey through the ballet world may be ending, but the bonds I have made never will.