Everyone at some point in their life undergoes something absolutely life changing that sets them apart from their past. In my personal experience, New York City changed me. It was much different than the fairy tales, but was in fact a dream come true.

I have always had my eyes set on the big city life from the moment I stepped foot onto a stage. It was the feeling that nothing can hurt or even touch you. I was only about six, but I knew from that moment that I was right where I was meant to be. As a learning performer, I received news this past spring that I had been selected as one of roughly forty students in the country, based on audition, to attend the CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory Five Week Intensive to work among professionals for the summer. This was the biggest, most enthralling news I had ever received. Although money was tight, my family and I made this a reality. My dad always told me to never leave yourself wondering, and that if you want something, you go above and beyond to make it happen.

This was only the start of my journey, and I had no idea that I was about embark on the most difficult five weeks of my life. When I arrived in New York, it was more than the movies made it out to be; I felt the same sensation I had when first stepping onto a stage. Training in the city all summer affected me as a person because I woke up every day and had nothing to lose. I roomed in an apartment complex with five other girls exploring the business in the city. The way my classes were set up, I trained in all components of theatre: dance, voice and acting on weekdays for seven hours a day. After class, I had the freedom of the city.

My first day at CAP21 was easily the most intense day of my life and the reason I attained such thick skin. It was a smack in the face of what the real world is like for performers; I was now a little fish in a large pond. Our class placements were nothing less than intimidating, and the teachers expected everything of us. After my first day, all I remember is going back to my apartment and crying my eyes out. I had never felt so small and was ready to go home. However, if I had followed my fear, I would not be the person I am today. I persevered and showed up the next twice as strong. By the end of the five weeks, I was fully convinced that I had to pursue theatre because it pushed me past my limits in order to better myself. The knowledge I absorbed that summer was incomparable to every experience in my life thus far. I not only learned how to become an honest performer, but I learned that it not only takes a tough head on your shoulders, but it takes a fighter. I follow this up with my favorite quote.

“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough”- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

As a Freshman in college, I had never anticipated hitting a milestone such as this, so early. New York City strengthened my work ethic, drive and most of all, my passion for performing and learning to grow. As I reflect back, this was the moment in my life that I stepped out into adulthood and the responsibilities that come along with it. Each day studying my favorite art in the world, I am reminded of my time in New York and its impact on my entire life. If it were not for that special opportunity, I do not know that I would be here, doing what I love still. Challenging myself each step of the way, and pushing my limits as I did that summer at CAP21. It may be cheesy, but Stephen Schwartz sums it up quite perfectly, “I have been changed, for good.”