I am pursuing a career in acting because storytelling has become the most meaningful way for me to connect, to understand, and to make an impact. For the past seven years, I have dedicated myself to studying this craft, growing through every challenge and opportunity that has come my way. My journey into the performing arts was not conventional—it began with an unexpected shift from athletics to theatre, a transition that changed the course of my life. For 15 years, I was an athlete. I played football, basketball, and ran track, learning the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. I spent years training, pushing myself, and working to prove that I belonged. My hope was to continue running track in college, and I was preparing for the opportunities ahead. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, everything changed. Seasons were canceled, competitions disappeared, and the path I had envisioned was no longer an option. The uncertainty of that moment forced me to reevaluate what truly gave me purpose. It was then that I turned fully toward theatre. I had first discovered acting through my high school’s drama magnet program, balancing rehearsals with track practice, still unsure if I belonged in the world of performance. But when sports were no longer an option, I realized that the stage had always been where I felt the most alive. Acting provided me with something I had never quite found in athletics—the ability to step into another person’s truth, to share stories that resonated deeply, and to connect with audiences on an emotional level. At Barry University, I have been fortunate to train under incredible mentors like Elena Maria Garcia, who have expanded my understanding of acting as both a craft and a responsibility. One of my most transformative experiences was playing Saint Jude in *JUDE*, an original play that explored themes of hope, faith, and immigration. This role pushed me in ways I had never experienced before, reinforcing my belief in the power of performance to shed light on untold stories and bring people together. Looking forward, my goal is to continue evolving as an artist, refining my craft, and contributing meaningfully to the world of theatre and film. I want to create performances that challenge perspectives, amplify underrepresented voices, and leave a lasting impact on audiences. Whether through classical texts, contemporary plays, or new works, I hope to engage with stories that reflect the depth and complexity of the human experience. This journey has not been without challenges, but every step has reinforced my commitment to this art form. Acting is more than a profession to me—it is a lifelong pursuit of truth, empathy, and connection. As I move forward, I do so with gratitude for where I have been, humility for how much more there is to learn, and an unwavering dedication to the work ahead.

I sat in the doctor’s office, staring at the X-ray of my fractured back, trying to process the fact that my career in athletics took a major hit. Fifteen years of sports—football and basketball—gone in an instant with only track left to hold on to. The weight of disappointment pressed down on me. I had spent years fighting to prove myself, pushing through the doubts of coaches who never gave me the playing time I felt I’d earned, and just when I thought I was getting my moment, life had other plans. Then, out of nowhere, I blurted out, “Well, at least I won’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. for conditioning anymore.” My mom shot me a look, half-amused, half-exasperated, and we both burst into laughter. It was a ridiculous moment—one that should have been devastating—but somehow, humor made it bearable. I wasn’t laughing at my pain, but rather finding a way to move through it. That moment shaped the way I would handle challenges for the rest of my life. It was that same sense of humor that carried me when I found myself suddenly immersed in the world of theatre. After my injury, I joined my high school’s drama magnet program, where I balanced rehearsals with track practice, still not fully convinced I belonged in either world. When I first stepped onto the stage for my first musical, I felt like a fish out of water. Everyone around me was incredibly talented, and here I was, a former athlete trying to figure out what a “cheat out” was. Instead of letting my nerves consume me, I leaned into humor. I poked fun at my own inexperience, made light of the moments I forgot my lines, and allowed myself to embrace the absurdity of being a “Troy Bolton” in real life—literally running from track practice to rehearsals, still sweaty and out of breath. As I grew as an actor, I began to understand that comedy wasn’t just about making people laugh—it was about revealing truth. I saw how humor could expose insecurities, challenge perspectives, and even provide catharsis. Some of the greatest comedies aren’t just silly; they reflect the struggles we all face, using laughter as a way to cope and connect. Whether performing Shakespeare’s comedic fools or navigating the quick wit of David Ives' "All in the Timing", I found joy in comedy’s ability to make the difficult feel digestible. One of the most powerful moments of my artistic career came when I performed in JUDE", an original play by Elena Maria Garcia. The show, which focused on themes of hope, faith, and immigration, was incredibly raw and emotionally intense. But even in the midst of heavy subject matter, humor found its place. It reminded me that comedy and tragedy aren’t opposites—they’re partners. Life is rarely just one or the other, and theatre reflects that beautifully. Through every setback, every moment of doubt, humor has been my way forward. It has taught me resilience, given me perspective, and strengthened my ability to connect with others. As an artist, I embrace comedy as a tool for truth, healing, and, most of all, hope. Because even in our darkest moments, there is always room to laugh.

**Personal Statement** For most of my life, I thought my future was in sports. I spent 15 years as an athlete—playing football, basketball, and running track—constantly pushing myself to prove I belonged. But after a fractured back ended my athletic dreams, I found myself at a crossroads. That’s when I discovered theatre. Initially, I balanced track practice with theatre rehearsals, unsure of where I truly fit. But under the guidance of Jamel Booth in my high school’s drama magnet program, I realized that performance wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was where I felt most alive. It gave me what sports never fully did: the ability to tell stories that matter, to step into another person’s truth, and to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Since then, I’ve performed in nearly 20 productions, growing immensely as both an artist and a human being. One of my most transformative roles was playing Saint Jude in *JUDE*, an original play by Elena Maria Garcia. The show explored themes of faith, hope, and immigration, and it required me to give every ounce of my heart and soul to the role. It solidified my purpose: to use storytelling to amplify unheard voices and bring people together. My goal is to continue refining my craft, pushing myself beyond my limits, and eventually making a lasting impact in theatre and film. At Northwestern, I see the opportunity to do just that—surrounded by artists who challenge and inspire me. I am ready to dedicate myself to this art form, staying true in the dark and humble in the spotlight.