Nine years ago this coming May, I did something new. Something that was a completly new experience for me. I did my first musical. As a young fifth grader, I made my debut as an orphan in Annie. I fell in love with performing and for me, there's nothing like stepping out onto a stage for a performance. Since then, I have done plenty of shows. I have been in 11 shows and I am currently in the rehearsal process of for my 12th. In the nine years of theatre, I've grown to love theatre in all aspects. Not only do I love it, I'm thankful for it.

I'm thankful for how theatre provided me something to be passionate about. The stage became my second home. Especailly the stage at my high school. It was the first stage I ever performed on and it was where I did all of my shows from fifth grade to my final senior musical. The countless hours I spent on that stage are hours I will never get back, but they were well spent. All the memories I made with all the people I took the stage with. I couldn't imagine the past years without devoting months of long days getting ready. 275 days ago, took my final bow on that stage and said goodbye to my beloved high school stage. After taking that final bow, I wished I could take to my home stage one final time, but I knew I couldn't and had to cherish all the memories I had made on it. Now I have a new stage to call home here at SVC. And with it, so many new friends, some of who I'm lucky to call my best friends. I can't wait to see how the next three and half years go with college theatre.

Second, I'm grateful for all things being in theatre taught me. I came to know many practical skills. I learned how to express myself. I learned to not be afraid of being in front of large crowds and improved my self-confience ten-fold. I learned how to project and be heard in large spaces without a mic (which is a lot more practical than most people think). I gained the ability to deal with criticisms of my work. Theatre taught me to be respectful of others. However, I didn't just learn skills that benefited me. I learned how to work as a team with those around me in order for something to be successful. I learned how much commitment is required from all involved in order for something to be successful. I learned so not so practical things too. I figured how to run in character shoes without being heard. I learned silly pre-traditions. I gained the ability to have a song for basically every situation in life. I learned how change costumes quickly. I've mastered being a geese for Aristocats, a proper lady at the turn of the century for Hello Dolly!, and even a stuck up member of a Temperence Society for the dinner theatre Who Shot the Sherrif? Theatre has taught me so much already, and it will teach me many more in the coming years.

I'm thankul for all the people have lead me to develop my love for theatre and all those who pushed me to be the best, and continue to do so. My director in grade school, Ms. Y, created this love for theatre that couldn't be shaken. I credit her with getting me involved in theatre and helped me get my start. She created the love for theatre that brought me to do theatre in high school. There, I was blessed with Mrs.Arcurio. This wonderful lady just deepened my love for all things theatre. Her acting class that I took my senior year helped me become a much better actor. I'm thankful for all the support of my castmates in every show, without them, the production wouldn't be the same. Her wonderful exclaimation of "We have a show!" still makes me laugh. Some of my castmates are now my closest friends and I'm so grateful for them. Speaking of friends, my high school friends are there when I need their opinion after auditions. Some of my firends travelled to see not only my senior musical but also came to my first college show. They have my back no matter what. Lastly, My parents also helped me in so many ways that I can't thank them enough. They came to all of my shows from day 1 and watched every show anywhere from two to four times. They were also ready to pick me up from rehearsal and make sure I was on time to get ready for shows. I wouldn't be where I would be today without these people.

Theatre has a huge impact on my life and I can't imagine my life without theatre. It has shaped me in more ways than I ever thought was possible. There's nothing better than the nervous excitement I get as I step out onto a stage for the opening performance of a show. I love every single person I have gotten to do a show with because after all, "There's no people like show people."