When I was seven years old, I was trying to figure out what I actually enjoyed doing. I tried a lot of different things. Sports were always around, but they never really felt like the right fit for me. I even tried baking for a while, but most of the time it just ended with burnt food and a mess in the kitchen. Nothing really stuck with me, until I found a local children's community theater. I was a very timid kid, the kind of kid who avoided attention in public whenever possible but would go wild in private. Performing on a stage in front of people seemed completely out of character for me, but somehow, I ended up there anyway, and once I did, something clicked. Theater gave me a space where I felt comfortable being someone else. The moment those lights shone on me, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm. Not only did this make me comfortable on stage, but it also made me more comfortable in being myself. I stayed involved in children's theater until I was sixteen, taking on different roles and learning more with every show. One of my favorite memories was playing a cat on stage, which allowed me such a fun and unexpected experience, showing me how creative theater can be. After I aged out of the children's theater program, I wasn't quite sure what to do next, but I knew I didn't want to lose theater. I found my way back to the theater in high school, where I was lucky to be cast in every production available. Throughout shows like Guys and Dolls and Little Women, I continued to grow as both a performer and a person. I played roles I never would have imagined for myself, like Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, and even something as unusual as a Little Stone in Eurydice. Each of those roles pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more confident and more open to trying new things, no matter the discomfort it may bring. Over time, I realized that theater is more than something I just enjoy; it's something I want to pursue in the future. At the same time, I started to become interested in what happens beyond acting. I began looking into different paths in theater and discovered theater administration. I enjoyed the idea of being involved in every part of a production, from what happens on stage to everything behind the scenes and even how the audience experiences the show. My goal is to one day help run a theater and create a space where others can feel the same sense of belonging that I did when I was younger. I want to give back to my community by making theater accessible and meaningful, especially for kids who might be shy or unsure of themselves. Theater helped me find my voice, and I hope to help others do the same.