This was actually a fun question to answer. I opened up my Letterboxd app and scrolled through my list of favorite movies, which quickly turned into a full family debate about which one has had the greatest impact on my life. Everyone (of course) had an opinion, and I loved listening to them argue their cases. But in my mind, I already knew the answer. For me, there’s no doubt it’s Little Women. I’ve watched multiple versions of this movie (my favorite is the one with Winona Ryder), watched a TV series of it, and even read the book one summer a few years ago. Each time, the story has meant something new to me. No character in any story has ever inspired me more than Jo March. She is fearless in chasing her dreams, unapologetically creative, and refuses to accept “no” as an answer. As an incoming freshman pursuing a BA in Musical Theatre, I know I’m choosing a path that doesn’t promise stability or commercial success. That can be very intimidating (and disheartening at times), but Jo’s persistence reminds me that passion matters just as much as outcomes. She uses her creativity not just for herself, but to support the people she loves, and that has shaped the way I think about my own goals. I don’t just want to perform; I want to create, to tell stories, and to use my voice in a way that matters. And I ideally want to be able to eke out a living following my dreams. Beyond her ambition and drive, what has impacted me just as much is Jo’s connection to her family. No matter where her life takes her, that bond remains the very definition of who she is. That has had a huge impact on me personally. My older brother and younger sister are my best friends, and they always will be. This fall, the three of us will all be attending school in different states. But like Jo and her sisters, I know distance won’t change what we mean to each other. Little Women has taught me that it’s possible to dream fiercely while staying grounded in the people who matter most. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about where you end up, but how you stay true to yourself along the way. That’s the kind of life and career that I aspire to one day build for myself and my family.

To me, “one heart, one beat” means being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about a group of people coming together with a shared goal, supporting each other, and moving forward as one. It represents connection, trust, and the idea that when everyone gives their full effort, the result is something you could never accomplish alone. I’ve personally experienced this most through theatre and competitive cheer. In theatre, even though there are individual roles, nothing works unless everyone is working in sync. The actors, the crew, the directors; everyone depends on each other. I love the moments right before a show starts, when everyone is backstage, a little nervous but excited, all focused on the same thing. In that moment, it really feels like “one heart, one beat,” because we’re all connected and working toward the same goal of putting on the best performance that we can. Cheer taught me that same idea, but in a different way. The sport requires a huge amount of trust. You have to rely on your teammates completely, whether you’re lifting someone into the air or trusting them to catch you. If one person is off, it affects everyone (and people can get hurt). That’s why communication and teamwork are so important; you’re not just responsible for yourself, you’re responsible for each other. It taught me how important it is to show up, stay focused, and support the people around you. I also think “one heart, one beat” applies to how we treat our communities. It’s about showing up for others, even in small ways, and understanding that everyone plays a role in making a positive impact. What stood out to me about the Natale Foundation is its focus on helping young people grow through sports, music, and the arts; things that naturally bring people together. At a time when programs like these are often underfunded or overlooked, support like this really matters. The arts may not always be seen as essential, but I’ve experienced how powerful they can be in building confidence, connection, and community. That’s why this foundation’s mission resonates with me, and why support like this can make such a meaningful difference. As I continue to pursue theatre in college, I hope to keep being part of groups where people support each other and work toward something meaningful together. Whether I end up on stage or behind the scenes, I want to contribute to that sense of unity and help create something that connects people. To me, “one heart, one beat” is about more than just working together; it’s about being part of something that matters.