Although the majority of professions within the medical, legal, or scientific fields are considered to have the greatest impact on our society, our world would be dull and meaningless without many of the careers we often overlook. Our survival and safety are naturally prioritized and, therefore, those who are employed to promote them are rewarded handsomely. Yet, we are not a human race that only survives. We live, which we do by surrounding and occupying ourselves with the things we love. With a passion for performing arts, I seek to make a positive impact on the world by inspiring joy, laughter, and love as an aspiring actress and director. As I have always been a performer who seeks comedic roles, I spent the majority of my theatrical career bringing joy to audiences with my humor. While this has always been an effective way to achieve my goal of making a positive impact on others, my experience as the assistant director in my high school’s spring production of “Lost Girl” altered my perspective on how I can enlighten others. I was given the opportunity to take all my knowledge on performing I had gathered over the years and share it with my younger peers. Whether I was translating my notes, illuminating new perspectives, or instilling confidence, many of the younger students I mentored actually developed their theatrical skills and knowledge because of me. This became apparent to me when I received a letter from the entire cast in which each individual actor thanked me personally for my leadership. Hanging over the foot of my bed, this letter reminds me to keep pursuing my dream, whether that be as an actress or as a director, if it means I can help others pursue theirs, or just make them smile. Before that letter, I always assumed my passion could only benefit an audience; I had never considered the broader impact I could have on others. I have always leaned into comedy when performing, and my approach towards every-day life is no exception. While this could arguably be due to an internal fear of vulnerability, I have always found more delight in delighting others rather than invoking “deeper” emotions. However, it can also be argued that joy is just as deep as sadness or fear. Perhaps one can leave a theater recalling their favorite jokes that stuck with them from a production instead of or in addition to reflecting on the gut-wrenching scene that society deems as the most impactful aspect of a performance. I use comedy to positively impact others not simply because I fear the “serious” forms of acting, but because I find it just as impactful and significant as other forms of theater. In a society where heavy topics such as gun violence, discrimination, and global warming remain constantly relevant, living starts to feel like surviving. Therefore, why deepen the stress of others when I can relieve them of it, even for a short while?