College so far has been absolutely wild. I don't think there's been a day where I've had nothing going on. I wake up every morning around 7-830 and head to class. I am an actor training major at the university of Hartford, so I don't have the typical classroom. I start every morning in a black room with a mirror dominating one side, and no chairs. I wear all black as a sort of uniform for my craft and I typically roam with a large group of other black clad students. We are on our way to the Mort and Irma Handel performing arts center, affectionately called hpac by its denizens.

My week begins with Acting 1, taught by David Watson. The class focuses on connecting with our emotions and making them available for the stage. This requires a lot of self reflection and peering deep into our pasts. At times it can be overwhelming, but I know that my peers are experiencing through the same struggles so i’m not alone in my journey. We have to break down our walls so we can be open to new characters. Being a shy individual, this is tough for me. My body and mind demand that I don't let myself be out and about in the world. It tells me that this is dangerous, that people may not like what they see. I have to overcome this. It’s difficult but satisfying work. It helps getting over those neuroses that plague my generation. I’m gaining control over my emotions and allowing myself to be open to others. I’ve been met with uplifting results.

Pursuing a BFA in acting is an incredible experience. My future may not have much certainty, for I won’t always have a steady job, but that's okay. A friend of mine once said that I‘m not going to school to learn how to act, I’m learning how to be a human. The skills I learn here will help me wherever I go. My degree teaches me to be confident in myself, and it’s helping me be the best me that I can. It’s liberating. I find myself smiling and laughing a lot more since i’ve been here. I’m full of energy and want to work hard, something I struggled with in the past.

I recommend that everyone at least dabble in acting. My opinion is a little biased, because this is my passion so i’m always going to promote it, but acting is therapeutic. You learn how to hold yourself. How to handle and shape emotional experiences that might otherwise take hold of you and wash you away. The craft focuses on connecting stores and people. Sounds useful for interviews or presentations, doesn’t it. It is also incredible if you are looking to relax, and who isn’t in today's world.

I love my school and what I'm learning. I know I'll be waiting tables someday, but I'll be the most charismatic, relaxed, and human waiter you've ever seen. One day you'll see me on stage or on the screen and you can tell stories about the time I served you steak and potatoes in some restaurant. Maybe then you'll wish you had tipped more.