When I was in the sixth grade I fell in love with the art of theatre. I watched my cousins' 3A state one-act play and I remember being totally mesmerized by the way these people could pull off a live show. Watching her one-act play made me fall in love with the world of theatre, ever since I haven't stopped. The sixth grade is when I joined a theatre tech class there I learned about set, props, makeup, costumes, and practically everything you need to know about tech. Seventh grade rolled around and I still stayed in that tech class, no varsity, just tech. In eighth grade I finally got the courage and joined varsity theatre. I did not act in our one-act play because I was battling social-anxiety but I took to the stage during our spring show. It was there when I found out I loved being on the stage. It felt like a breath of fresh air. I could fill in another person's shoes and not be afraid of what others would've thought of me. It was like a dream come true. My school only gives our company 600-dollars for our shows. The thing is, we bring home more championships than anyone in our small town school. I believe they've limited us by having us cut off from resources we need, which in this case is money. In ninth grade, I made high school varsity theatre. I had never been the acting type, so to come to high school and to be given the opportunity to be on stage; i took it. I played a Joy of Life Singer in our fall show, Dearly Departed. My first ensemble role. Then I finally played in our one act, The Book Of Dog, as ensemble character. We made it all the way the 4A Region competition without being defeated, sadly we received 6th place. Since then I've been in two musicals: The Nightmare Before Christmas, whom I played an ensemble character named Witch Hazel, and The Wizard Of Oz, who I played Ozmas and A Sneezing Munchkin. This year's one-act play I got casted as an alternate for The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane - in which I had to fill in and perform for several people for several performances. At first I was upset, all I could think about was "Am I even good enough? Should I just quit?" but my director reassured me it was nothing that I did. So I took her words into consideration and started working harder than ever before. I want to make a career out of theatre so I started practicing different monologues to expand my range. I've grown a lot since then, and I hope that I can use my talent to show others that just because you were 'benched' once, doesn't mean it limits you as an actor. All you can do is get back up, and try again.

In a world striving for equality, the persistence of sexism remains a challenge. Reflecting on my experiences with sexism in the 5th grade, I joined a mixed soccer team (boys & girls) and it became evident that gender-based discrimination limited all that I could do on the team. I trained harder than all the boys, but yet I was still labeled as "a girl." Even my own coach, a grown man, treated me the same way those kids on my team did. It made me feel hopeless and it left me wondering if I was good enough for any sport or any extracurricular. Sexism happens everywhere and it has been deeply rooted in human history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, women have been faced with discrimination based upon their sex. Sexism can often be shown in various forms such as bullying, limitations due to gender, and so much more. It is unfortunate that women have to identify this as normal in today's society. Society has this image that women are supposed to be one of two things but what if we don't want to live inside this box society has created for us? I plan on majoring in Theatre Education to become a director, even still, I face sexism by being told I would never make it in the 'big leagues' because of my gender. I wish to become a female director up on broadway one day or maybe even direct a movie or two, yet everyone doubts what I can do. I can be the best in the art, the best in the business, and still be berated by men. Directing is something I have a passion for so I will not let anything stop me but the comments have a mental effect upon me. In other words, sexism refers to the discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based on a person's gender, typically favoring one gender over the other. One of the key areas where sexism is evident is in the workplace, directing included! Women often face challenges in accessing the same opportunities and promotions as their male counterparts. This can be attributed to biases and stereotypes that perpetuate the belief that certain roles or positions are more suitable for men. It is crucial to address these biases and create a more inclusive and equal work environment. Sexism also affects education and the portrayal of gender roles in media. Young girls and boys are often exposed to gender stereotypes that limit their potential and reinforce traditional gender norms. By challenging these stereotypes and promoting gender equality in education and media, we can help create a more inclusive society where individuals are not limited by their gender. To combat sexism, it is essential to foster awareness and education. This involves promoting gender equality, challenging harmful stereotypes, and encouraging open dialogue about the issue. It is also crucial to support policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, such as equal pay for equal work and providing opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. In conclusion, sexism is a deeply rooted issue that requires collective effort to address. By promoting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and fostering inclusive environments, we can work towards a society where individuals are valued and respected regardless of their gender. It is important for each of us to actively contribute to creating a more equal and just world, free from the constraints of sexism, especially in the workplace.

Every person has a story to tell or a narrative that shapes their identity and influences their actions. My story is intertwined with my encounters with mental health, both personal and vicarious. These experiences have not only shaped my perspective but also fuelled my passion for my dream. I have had personal struggles with my mental health, and I have also witnessed the horrifying effects of mental illness in others. The loss of a friend to suicide was a devastating experience that highlighted the importance of mental health for me. My friend's passing was a reminder that everyone matters, and that mental health is crucial in every aspect of life. Let alone I watched my own Father go through some of the toughest times of his adulthood. It was hard to watch and not be able to do anything; but I just had to be there. I believe that mental health is as important as physical health; our minds are the center of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; they determine how we perceive the world, interact with others, and make decisions. When our mental health is compromised, it affects every aspect of our lives, from our academic performance to our own relationships. Personally, I’ve had numerous times when I felt at an all time low, like nothing mattered, like no one cared. I pray that I can advocate and be a voice for those who go unheard; when their cries for help have gone unnoticed, I want to be that voice for others. If someone had been a voice for my friend, I think he would still be here today. Nevertheless, I have found my expression through the art of performance theatre. As a performer, I use the stage as a platform to explore complex emotions and narratives, including those related to mental health and emotions. This creative outlet has been therapeutic, enabling me to process my feelings and experiences in a constructive way. In addition, I have sought professional help when needed. Counseling sessions have provided me with strategies to manage my mental health and have reinforced the idea that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to one's strength and resilience. I am passionate about studying psychology and theatre to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior. I believe that this knowledge will equip me with the skills and insights necessary to make a difference in the lives of others. In conclusion, I believe that mental health is important because it is concrete to our overall well-being and quality of life. It shapes our perceptions, influences our actions, and determines our interactions with others. I maintain my mental wellness through mindfulness, creative expression, and help when needed. I am committed to advocating for mental health and using my experiences and education to make a positive impact in my chosen career. Either by producing a show that handles heavy topics; or letting my students know it's okay to reach out to someone.