For the longest time, I thought I’d go into a career in Public Relations. I didn’t know exactly what this meant or what the job entailed, but I knew that it came up in Google when I searched what jobs were both fun, and paid well. These things were important to me because I love to perform, but I had heard many times before that there was a very little chance of finding a stable job in the arts. But how could I find fulfillment and motivation doing work that I didn’t feel passionate about? After several years contemplating this internal conflict, I have come to the conclusion that in life, everyone has a calling. In chasing after our goals, and pursuing our greatest passions, we are able to fulfill this calling, and inspire others along the way. In this same regard, to me, “One Heart, One Beat” is a quote that stands for following dreams. It’s a message of self empowerment, and a reminder of the strength that we have, as individuals, to do what we love while also making a difference in the world. Additionally, it’s the recognition of everyone else as individuals, with their own personal goals and motivators; it is embracing all of the things that make us different. Effectively, “One Heart, One Beat,” is what makes us who we are, and how we choose to define our life’s purpose. All this being said, I no longer plan on earning a degree in Public Relations. In fact, theater has always been my greatest passion, and that is what I want to pursue. From performing, to watching a show, to staging scenes, everything about the art feels extremely magical to me, and while thinking about my future, it is hard to picture my life without it. In applying the quote, “One Heart, One Beat” to my own life, it could be said that theater is what gives my heart its beat. For example, one of the most influential experiences in my life thus far, that has given me my greatest sense of purpose, was my creation of an inclusive performing arts program. This class, which I designed to give children with various challenges the opportunity to participate in musical theater, showed me how powerful the arts can be in forming connections with other people. It was such a rewarding feeling to share doing the thing that I love the most with others, and to first hand see how new confidence, friendships, and memories were formed. Being able to directly see the positive impact I had on the participants lives’ through the community that was formed, felt like taking a giant step towards achieving my goals and dreams. As I work toward an eventual career, I strive to continue to pursue this passion in a variety of different ways. Above all else, I feel drawn to the prospect of keeping theater and performance alive in future generations, and for all people regardless of what makes us different. I want to write and direct shows that not only allow others to fulfill their own passions, but that tell meaningful, important stories. In this way, the quote, “One Heart, One Beat” means to me that while each, individually we are just one person with a dream, in joining together, we as a society, have the power to do anything. That is a prospect that for me, no amount of money could compete with.