Jack Terry’s story inspires me because I know what it means to rebuild yourself from instability and still choose to give back. Although my challenges are not comparable to the unimaginable hardships he endured, his resilience speaks to something I have carried throughout my own life. Adversity can shape not only who you become, but how you choose to serve others. Growing up in a complicated family situation meant moving between households, navigating instability, and learning to rely on myself earlier than most. When support wasn’t consistent, I learned to recognize the rare and powerful moments when someone chose to show up for me. Those moments including small acts of kindness, guidance, or encouragement became the foundation I stood on. They taught me that service becomes part of who you are, especially when you’ve needed it yourself. My journey with service began through Girl Scouts, where I’ve been a member since 2013. What started as troop meetings and community events grew into a deeper understanding of compassion and responsibility. I organized donation drives, supported families in downtown Los Angeles, and participated in environmental projects. Girl Scouts taught me that leadership is rooted in service, and that even small actions can create meaningful change. Those lessons stayed with me as I moved through different schools and environments. As I grew older, I sought out more opportunities to give back. In the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allowed me to create opportunities for others. Whether organizing school-wide service events, raising awareness about environmental issues, or mentoring younger students, I found purpose in helping people feel supported and included. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, so I work hard to make sure others don’t feel that way. Technical theatre became another unexpected place where service took root. Working as a stage, sound, and light technician plus stage manager at school, I discovered that backstage work is built on collaboration, patience, and empathy. Theatre is a world where every cue, every adjustment, and every quiet act of support matters. I mentor new crew members, help them build confidence, and create an environment where mistakes are part of learning. Giving back in theatre means staying late to help a teammate troubleshoot equipment, checking in on a nervous performer, or stepping into a role at the last minute because the show must go on. What inspires me most about Jack Terry is not only how he rebuilt his life, but how he chose to dedicate it to helping others. Like him, I want my future to be defined not just by what I achieve, but by what I give. My goal is to earn a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, specializing in sound, lighting, and stage management. I hope to build a career in professional theatre, eventually working on Broadway. I also want to continue mentoring young technicians, especially students who may not realize that technical theatre is a path available to them. I want to expand access to backstage education, create programs that support underrepresented students, and use my skills to make theatre more inclusive and accessible. Adversity has taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of community. It has shaped my identity, my leadership, and my dreams. As I move forward into higher education and beyond, I intend to carry those values with me. I’ll use my experiences, my compassion, and my dedication to service to make every space I enter more supportive, inclusive, and hopeful than I found it.

The first time I stepped behind a soundboard, it felt like I had finally found the language I had been trying to speak my whole life. Until that moment, I didn’t know that art could exist in the shadows, in the quiet precision of cues, in the glow of a lighting rig warming up, or in the heartbeat of a show coming alive backstage. Technical theatre became my medium not because I grew up around it, but because it found me at a moment when I needed direction, purpose, and a place to belong. My passion for technical theatre began unexpectedly. A friend called me in a panic because his show’s sound technician had called out. I had no experience, but I said yes. That night, I learned the equipment through trial and error, relying on instinct, adrenaline, and the support of the people around me. By the next day, I was running the show flawlessly. That moment didn’t just introduce me to a new skill, it opened a door to a world where I felt capable, valued, and inspired. Since then, technical theatre has become the medium through which I express myself, connect with others, and give back to my community. As a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager for the Long Beach Unified School District, I’ve learned that backstage work is an art form built on collaboration, empathy, and trust. Every cue, every transition, every moment of silence or light is part of a larger story and I get to help shape it. This art form has enhanced my life by giving me confidence, stability, and a sense of purpose. Growing up in a one‑parent household with limited resources, I often felt like I had to figure things out on my own. Theatre gave me a community that felt like family. It taught me how to lead, how to communicate, and how to stay calm under pressure. It also taught me that art doesn’t have to be seen to be powerful. Sometimes the most meaningful work happens where no one is looking. My passion for technical theatre has also allowed me to enhance the lives of others. As President of Stage Crew Club, I mentor younger students who are just discovering the world backstage. I help them build confidence, learn new skills, and find the same sense of belonging that changed my life. Through Girl Scouts, the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, I’ve used my technical skills to support community events, school programs, and service projects. Whether I’m setting up sound for a fundraiser, running lights for a cultural celebration, or helping a nervous performer feel ready to step onstage, I know that my work helps create moments of connection and joy. Technical theatre is more than an art medium to me. It’s the way I contribute to the world. It’ss how I build community, support others, and express the creativity I once didn’t know I had. As I pursue a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, I hope to continue using this art form to bring people together, uplift young artists, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

I grew up in a home where love was abundant, but money never was and that reality shaped me into someone who learned responsibility long before most kids my age even thought about it. My mom is a single parent raising two children while working as a cashier at BevMo. She works long hours, often coming home exhausted, but she never lets us feel the weight she carries. Watching her sacrifice so much to keep our family afloat has taught me that strength is steady, persistent, and rooted in love. Because of our situation, I learned early that if I wanted a future beyond the limits of our circumstances, I would have to build it myself. That understanding pushed me to take on leadership roles, volunteer in my community, and work professionally as soon as I was able. I’ve been a Girl Scout since 2013, and service has been a constant in my life including organizing donation drives, supporting families in need, and helping at community events. Giving back became my way of honoring the support I wished my mom had when she was raising us alone. At school, I stepped into leadership roles in the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, where I’ve helped create service opportunities for students and supported younger members who’ve needed guidance. These roles have taught me how to lead with empathy, communicate with purpose, and build community even in challenging environments. My work in technical theatre has also shaped my sense of responsibility. As a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager for the Long Beach Unified School District, I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, support my team, and take ownership of every cue and decision. Theatre became the place where I discovered my passion and where I realized I could build a career that brings people together. My goal is to earn a BFA in Theatre Design and Production and eventually work on major productions while continuing to mentor young technicians. I want to create spaces where students from backgrounds like mine feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams. Growing up in a one‑parent household didn’t limit me. It motivated me. It taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of lifting others as I climb. And those lessons will guide me through college, my career, and every community I become part of.

I grew up learning that love isn’t always spoken. It’s something you show through the way you treat people, especially when life feels uncertain. My childhood was shaped by instability, moving between households and learning to navigate challenges largely on my own. But instead of making me guarded, those experiences taught me to lead with empathy, to believe in the good I could create, and to build community wherever I went. Love, faith, and service became the principles that grounded me long before I ever realized they were shaping my future. My journey with service began through Girl Scouts, where I’ve been a member since 2013. For more than a decade, I’ve volunteered in Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities organizing donation drives, supporting families in need, participating in environmental cleanups, and helping run local events. Girl Scouts taught me that love is active. It’s choosing to show up for people you may never meet again. It’s believing that small acts of kindness can ripple outward in ways you might never see. And it’s having faith that your effort matters, even when the world feels overwhelming. As I grew older, service became something I pursued intentionally. In the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allowed me to create opportunities for others. Whether organizing school-wide service projects, mentoring younger students, or raising awareness about environmental issues, I learned that community service is not just about giving time. It’s about giving care, dignity, and hope. These roles helped me understand that leadership rooted in love is leadership that lasts. My work in technical theatre has also become a form of service. As a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager for the Long Beach Unified School District, I’ve learned that backstage work is built on compassion and trust. I mentor new crew members, help them build confidence, and create a space where they feel safe to learn and grow. Love shows up in the patience you offer someone learning a new skill. Faith shows up in believing they can succeed before they believe it themselves. Community shows up in the way a crew becomes a family during a production. These experiences have shaped not only who I am, but also who I want to become. My goal is to earn a BFA in Theatre Design and Production and build a career in professional theatre, eventually working on Broadway. But beyond the technical skills, I want to continue using theatre as a way to build community, uplift others, and create spaces where people feel seen and supported. I want to mentor young technicians, expand access to backstage opportunities, and use my work to bring people together through creativity and collaboration. Love, faith, and service have guided me through the most challenging parts of my life, and they continue to guide the future I’m building. I plan to carry these principles with me into college, my career, and every community I become part of because they’re not just values I believe in. They are the foundation of the person I am.

I learned the power of giving back long before I understood that not everyone grows up needing their community as much as I did. Service wasn’t just something I participated in, It became the foundation I built myself on when the rest of my life felt unstable. Growing up in a complicated family situation, moving between households, and learning to navigate life largely on my own taught me early how much a single act of kindness can matter. When you don’t always have consistent support, you become deeply aware of the moments when someone chooses to show up for you. That awareness shaped my desire to show up for others. My journey with service began through Girl Scouts, where I’ve been a member since 2013. Over the years, I’ve organized donation drives, supported families in Downtown Los Angeles, helped run community events, and participated in environmental projects. Girl Scouts taught me that compassion is active, intentional, and often requires stepping into roles you never expected. It also taught me that leadership is rooted in service. Those lessons became the backbone of how I move through the world. As I grew older, giving back became something I pursued independently. In the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allowed me to create opportunities for others. Whether organizing school-wide service events, raising awareness about environmental issues, or mentoring younger students, I found purpose in helping people feel supported and included. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, so I work hard to make sure others don’t feel that way. My work in technical theatre has also become a form of service. As a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager for the Long Beach Unified School District, I’ve learned that backstage work is built on collaboration, patience, and empathy. I mentor new crew members, help them build confidence, and create an environment where mistakes are part of learning. Giving back in theatre means staying late to help a teammate troubleshoot equipment, checking in on a nervous performer, or stepping into a role at the last minute because the show must go on. It’s service through teamwork, communication, and care. These experiences have shaped not only who I am, but also what I want for my future. My college goal is to earn a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, where I can continue developing my skills in sound, lighting, and stage management. I want to build a career in professional theatre, eventually working on Broadway, but I also want to continue mentoring young technicians and expanding access to technical theatre for students who may not realize it’s an option for them. Giving back has taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of community. It has shaped my identity, my leadership, and my dreams. As I move forward into higher education and beyond, I intend to carry those values with me including using my skills, my experiences, and my compassion to make every space I enter a little more supportive, inclusive, and hopeful than I found it.

I learned compassion long before I ever learned the word. It was something I had to practice to survive, not something anyone explicitly taught me. Growing up in a complicated family situation, moving between households, and learning to navigate instability on my own forced me to pay close attention to the needs and emotions of the people around me. When you grow up without consistent support, you learn quickly how powerful kindness can be and how much it matters to offer it to others. My earliest lessons in compassion came from Girl Scouts, where I’ve been a member since 2013. Through countless service projects including donation drives, community clean‑ups, food distributions, and events supporting families in Downtown Los Angeles, I learned that compassion is action. It’s showing up when someone needs help, even when you’re tired or unsure. It’s choosing to make someone else’s day easier, even when your own life feels overwhelming. Girl Scouts taught me that leadership is rooted in service, and that small acts of care can ripple outward in ways you may never see. As I got older, compassion became something I intentionally practiced in every part of my life. In the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allowed me to support my school community. Whether organizing volunteer events, helping students access resources, or mentoring younger members, I tried to create spaces where people felt valued and included. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, so I work hard to make sure others don’t feel that way. My work in technical theatre has also shaped how I express compassion. Backstage, compassion looks like patience, communication, and trust. As a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager, I’ve learned that people perform their best when they feel supported. I mentor new crew members, help them build confidence, and create an environment where mistakes are part of learning, not something to fear. Compassion in theatre is checking in on a nervous performer, staying late to help a teammate troubleshoot equipment, or stepping into a role at the last minute because the show must go on. It’s understanding that everyone brings their own struggles into the room and chooses to meet them with empathy. My background has shaped me into someone who leads with care because I know how much it matters. Compassion has guided my choices, my leadership, and my goals for the future. As I pursue a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, I intend to continue exemplifying compassion by creating inclusive backstage spaces, mentoring young technicians, and using my work to bring people together. I want to build a career where kindness is not an afterthought but a foundation where every production, every team, and every student I work with feels supported, respected, and seen. Compassion is not something I learned from one person or one moment. It’s something I built from the life I lived and something I will continue to put into action to ensure that others always feel seen and heard.

How I Am a Positive Force in Society Moving between households taught me early how important it is to have people who support you, guide you, and believe in your potential. Because I didn’t always have that, I’ve made it a priority to become that person for others. I see myself as a positive force in society because I work to create stability, opportunity, and belonging for others. These are values shaped by my own experiences growing up in an unpredictable family environment. My commitment to service began long before I discovered theatre. I have been a Girl Scout since 2013, and volunteering has been a constant part of my life for more than a decade. Through Girl Scouts, I learned what it means to serve my community with purpose, whether organizing donation drives, supporting families in need, helping at local events, or working on environmental projects in Downtown Los Angeles. Girl Scouts taught me that leadershipis about lifting others up. That lesson has shaped every part of who I am. As I grew older, my service expanded into my school community. In the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Club, I’ve taken on leadership roles that allow me to organize service events, mentor younger students, and create opportunities for others to get involved. Whether we’re raising awareness about environmental issues, supporting school programs, or helping students access resources, I try to lead with empathy and intention. I want people to feel valued and included, especially those who might not always feel seen. My work in technical theatre has become another way I contribute positively to the world around me. When I first stepped in as an emergency sound technician for a friend’s show, I didn’t realize how much that moment would change my life. I discovered a passion for sound, lighting, stage management, and the collaborative world backstage. But more importantly, I found a community where I felt capable and supported. This was something I had been searching for. Now, as a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager for the Long Beach Unified School District, I’ve learned how to bring people together under pressure. Theatre only works when everyone communicates, trusts each other, and works toward a shared goal. I mentor younger crew members, help them build confidence, and create a space where they feel safe to learn and make mistakes. In many ways, I’m giving them the support I once needed myself. Current social norms often emphasize independence and perfection, but my experiences have taught me that real strength comes from community, vulnerability, and collaboration. I don’t believe success is something you achieve alone. It’s something you build with others through service, mentorship, and compassion. In the future, as I pursue a BFA in Theatre Design and Production, I hope to continue being a positive force by creating inclusive backstage environments, expanding access to technical theatre, and using my skills to bring people together. Whether through volunteering, leadership, or the art of theatre itself, I want to keep making the world a little more supportive, connected, and hopeful than I found it.

Everything changed the day a friend called me in a panic because his show’s sound technician had called out. I had no experience, but I said yes anyway. That night, I learned the sound system through trial and error, relying on the guidance of the people around me. By the next day, I was running the show flawlessly, not because I knew everything, but because the team trusted me, supported me, and let me learn alongside them. That experience showed me what collaboration truly looks like: people lifting each other up so the show can go on. Since then, collaboration has been at the center of everything I do. Through my school’s Stage Crew Club where I’ve served as Secretary and President. I’ve worked with students of all experience levels, helping them learn the ropes of backstage work. As a stage technician, sound technician, light technician, and stage manager for the Lakewood High School’s productions. I’ve learned how essential communication is when coordinating with directors, dancers, cast members, and fellow crew. A single cue, a lighting shift, or a sound transition only works when everyone is listening to one another. To me, collaboration in Theatre Design and Production means building trust, communication, and shared purpose with the people around me. Technical theatre is never a one‑person craft; it’s a constant exchange of ideas, adjustments, and problem solving that only works when everyone is committed to supporting one another. Collaboration is the moment when a designer’s vision, a technician’s precision, and a performer’s energy all meet to create something none of us could have achieved alone. My understanding of collaboration didn’t come from a classroom. It came from the moments when everything in my life felt uncertain. Growing up, I moved between households and learned early how to adapt, communicate, and find stability in the people around me. For a long time, I believed I would become a computer software designer, and that dream gave me something solid to hold onto. When I lost that dream during my sophomore year, I felt like I had lost my direction entirely. My leadership roles in National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the Odyssey Student Club have also shaped how I collaborate. Whether organizing service events, managing club finances, or mentoring younger students, I’ve learned how to bring people together around a shared goal. Even my time on a VEX robotics team taught me how to solve problems under pressure with a group that depends on each member’s strengths. Collaboration is the reason I fell in love with theatre. It’s the reason I found my confidence again. And it’s the reason I want to pursue a BFA in Theatre Design and Production. I want to continue building communities where people feel supported, valued, and inspired the way the theatre community did for me. In my future career, whether I’m designing on Broadway or mentoring the next generation of technicians, I hope to create spaces where collaboration isn’t just part of the job, but part of the joy.