Years ago, I never would have thought that something like theatre would change my life. Before that I'd played sports and then moved on to writing, nothing about those things screamed this girl would be changed by theatre.

I mean theatre and I didn't make sense. I was shy and hated being in front people. Just the thought of talking in front of the crowd made me panic.

But at last, junior year of high school. I was roped into auditioning for a school play. That audition led me down a two year path of acting and stage managing.

Not going to go into drastic details about those years, but I can say that the theatre changed my life. I met tons of people who impacted my life in a variety of ways. I got to work under amazing directors who's creativity was actually inspiring. I was part of some great performances with talented people. I gained such a new appreciation for the arts in general.

I find myself wanting to watch performances of plays and musicals. I listen to musical soundtracks on my way to class. I tend to find myself in different character, learning things I never thought about before, and so much more.

I slowly realized that shy and terrified girl wasn't always as present as she used to be. I felt my confidence grow as I spent more time around the theatre. Presentations in school and talking to new people became less scary.

I still do some theatre stuff, but more in a college club setting. I've hung up my acting shoes. I much more prefer the behind the scenes work. I do most public relations for Ball State's student run theatre company. I've even tried my hand at directing this semester.

I may have left the full theatre life behind, but I'll never forget what it taught me. It made an impact that has made me who I am today. I can't thank theatre and those who are involved in it enough for what it brought to me.