Growing up, I faced a lot of internal struggles: body image struggles, anxiety starting to develop, the works. As a budding teen, it was my own personal hell. For a really long time, I didn't know what to do or where to go. I didn't know what would or even could help me.

For a while, I thought I had nobody and nowhere to go.

But then I found theatre.

It took some searching to get to theatre, it did, but, I'm so glad I found it.

Being involved in theatre opened so many doors for me and I thank the universe every day for it. Each role I have, I learn something new, whether it be about myself, my costars, the crew or anyone involved in any way.

Theatre is a continous growing and learning experience; it keeps me from being stagnant in life. It keeps things in my life so exciting. In all honesty, it's made my life worth living for.

I have grown immensely from theatre; I've gained confidence, self-love, love for others, respect and I even gained new talents and new friends in my life I would have otherwise not if not involved in the theatre community. Each person involved is there for a reason and they all have their own spectacular story and talents that make productions possible. Every person I've ever worked with astounded me in some way or another. If you're reading this and you've worked with me in a show before, thank you. You've taught me something, even if you didn't know it.

High school theatre, college theatre, community or professional theatre, they all have something to give to those involved. They all have unique experiences that will change your life--they've most definitely changed mine.

These productions I've been involved in--from my very first high school show to my most recent college production--have given me much more than another title for my portfolio.

Theatre has given me a family. They've shown me that no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, you will be given a chance to shine. Everyone gets their chance in the spotlight. And for someone like me, that gives me hope. I'm not full of muscle, I'm not tall, I'm not a lot of things. But, I am me. It's nice to know that just being me is good enough for theatre. Nothing has ever given me that feeling before.

Theatre brings people together who otherwise wouldn't have. It's a bonding and togetherness experience that has given me nothing but wonderful, amazing things in my life.

From playing Mustardseed in "A Midsummer's Night Dream" to playing Pauline in "One Man, Two Guvnors," thank you, theatre. Thank you to all my directors I've ever worked with. Thank you to all the costars I've had the pleasure of working with. Thank you to all the crews that have made shows possible. Thank you to the audiences that have made our shows worth it.

Just, thank you theatre. For everything. You've made me who I am. And I wouldn't give that up for the world.

"Act well your part, there all the honor lies." -Alexander Pope