I am much more than just a writer.

Yes, my minor is creative writing. Some people say that it is silly and ask how I am going to attribute to this world. I've had time to think about it and it's the same with how with acting major with the effect the world.

I am a storyteller.

Either through my fingertips or pen or my monologues and witty one-liners on stage. I am your escape from reality if it's watching me run around stage singing, or if you're flipping the pages through a book I wrote. I am the escape you're hoping for after a bad day, after a breakup, bringing you joy for a school paper, bringing you joy on a rainy day. My job is to tell stories that you can relate to. My job is to tell stories that make you cry, to tell stories that make you laugh. To tell stories that some people are scared to tell. (Those are my personal favorite.)

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

People ask if I'm an actor and ever since high school I respond with, "I'm a storyteller." That's what my director always told us. If we weren't bringing a show to life she would remind us of our job, what we were supposed to be doing on stage. Those two words just clicked in my brain and ever since I can't stop telling stories.

From my childhood memories, from a script to a make-believe story of emotion. Every day I'm a storyteller. You're probably thinking "Wow that's exhausting" and you know what, you're right. It is exhausting, but it's the best damn job on this planet. Acting and writing have helped me with my depression, through death, through trauma and heartbreak.

Being a storyteller makes me feel invincible.

Callaghan Carter

Being told I helped someone through a hard time after a show, or reaching out about an article I wrote, makes my day. It is why I do this job. It is emotionally, physically and mentally draining. Being creative doesn't come easy to some people and uses every fiber in your body. Yet I am blessed to get my creativity from my Mimi who would celebrate my little successes constantly.

If you want to write for a living or act. Do it. Don't think about what your parents say or if you will be busting tables for a living. One day, you will get that dream job if it's directing, or getting a professional job in a tiny theatre in a small town.

It doesn't matter because you're a storyteller.

You don't need great successes and big paychecks, you just need to reach your audience and tell an important story.