It was finally my turn. A shy, fifteen-year-old girl enthusiastically scrolled through her mother's email thread and froze when she saw the title "Cast List". This was it. I carefully read each name until I found mine, much higher on the list than I had ever been before. It read "Enchantress- Abby McBee". I felt an overwhelming excitement rush through my body as I began to tear up. I had never had my own special part before. I was on cloud nine for weeks! After the first few rehearsals, it began to sink in that I was about to have to do what the older kids I looked up to in previous shows did. The daunting task of having my rehearsal to work my part. Just me. Although I was excited, these thoughts also terrified me. What if I was not good enough? What if they made a mistake? As I walked into the rehearsal room, I was expecting to see the choreographer who I had worked with in the past. Instead, a new girl was standing there smiling back at me. As she began to teach, I felt all my nerves disappear. I voiced my concerns and she responded with reassurance, encouragement, and the kindest heart I had ever met still to this date. At that moment, not only did I gain confidence and belief in myself, but I also gained a wonderful friend. Danae Savitski is one of the artistic individuals who helped me shape how I go about my performance career. Over the years performing, she has encouraged me, worked alongside me, and been a great role model for me; but above all, she has been a friend. Little did she know the impact she made in my life from that first rehearsal till now. Over recent years, I have begun working with children more. Whether it be summer camps, dance classes, or babysitting, I always try to find ways to try to make a positive impact on a child's life. I recently have taken on the task of choreographing my first full-length musical. When I had my initial interview, the company owner asked me " What is a positive teaching experience you have had, and how does that impact the way you teach children?" Without hesitation, I told him the story of Danae. I said I had one of the most amazing experiences where everything clicked and I felt so encouraged all because of a teacher I had, and as a teacher myself, I strive to bring that same love and encouragement to my students. It has only been a few weeks since rehearsals started, but I am loving every second of it. I can think creatively, and challenge myself, and the student actors, all while creating a positive environment in the arts where these kids are not afraid to ask questions and are okay with failing gloriously. As a student was leaving the other night, she turned around and ran back to me. Before she left she said, "I really hope you do another show here in the future, because you make me feel welcomed, and I want to be just like you when I grow up". Hearing these words made it all worth it. All my stress and worries disappeared. Knowing I can change the next generation of performers' lives while doing what I love lets me know I am right where I belong.