"Wicked" came into my life at a pivotal moment. When I was 10, I was placed in a foster home and felt incredibly alone. I also experienced bullying during this time, which made it difficult for me to find a place where I truly belonged. That all changed when I discovered the original Broadway cast recording of "Wicked." Although I didn’t grasp the plot right away, I began to understand the stories of both Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba’s journey resonated with me deeply. The isolation and fear she experienced simply for being different mirrored my own feelings. Despite the challenges she faced, Elphaba stood firmly in her identity and refused to let others' opinions alter her self-perception. I admired this mindset, and it helped me navigate my teenage years. Discovering the soundtrack was one of the best things that ever happened to me. The show sparked my love for musical theater and provided me with an environment where I could express myself and escape from a world that felt like it never had my back. I often found myself listening to the music whenever I felt less than I deserved to feel, and it instantly lifted my spirits. "Defying Gravity" changed how I viewed outside opinions of who I was and who I wanted to become. It turned a boy who was once scared of others' opinions into a bright, young, confident young man.

A career in the Arts is important for an individual who seeks a path of self-expression and creative fulfillment. Artists from various backgrounds such as painting, music, theater, and literature play important roles in our society helping to enrich culture, inspire change, and establish connections among people. For some time now I've been involved in the world of theater and it has given me an outlet like nothing has before. I have been able to do things such as process emotions, find personal growth and fulfillment, and help inspire others. The role of Jack, from the musical Newsies, came at a point in my life I could relate to him in so many ways. I was struggling mentally. I had just been adopted, a milestone that I should have been happy about, but ended up having the opposite effect. I was unsure of the direction of my life, and I just wanted to get away. Jack wanted to escape his life in New York after dealing with so much and move away to Santa Fe. The process of bringing him to life was one of the most therapeutic things I have ever done. I discovered how to process my emotions by getting to tell his story over and over every night on stage. Jack taught me to not run away from fears, uncertainty, and problems. Instead, both Jack and I learned to face our fears together on stage and that was when I realized I am, and will always remain, strong. As my drive to constantly improve keeps going, I find myself encountering challenges that push me beyond my comfort zone, pushing me to explore my abilities. And with the help of various mentors, I have been able to tap into things such as Empathy, adaptability, and emotions I have never thought id be able to . The process of bringing stories, such as Jacks to life instilled a profound sense of purpose, which will hopefully lead to a career that with each performance I do, I find out a bit more about myself. As a performer, I have witnessed how theater can ignite conversations, evoke emotions, and spark meaningful change in audiences. After my performance as Jack I received several messages from people who I went to school with. They told me how powerful it was to see a gay person of color leading a musical. Especially since it was a role that had been played by prodomantaley white gentlemen. They also told me that by watching me perform, they too felt a confidence in them to go out for things they wouldnt usually go for. I’ve learned that what is often performed on stage can almost always relate to real life topics, struggles, triumphs, and universal experiences, sparking some sort of internal thought amongst audience members. Through storytelling, I hope to touch hearts, open minds, and encourage empathy, contributing to a more compassionate and connected society. Theater has and will always be my guiding light on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and artistic fulfillment. As an outlet for emotions and a platform for storytelling, it has allowed me to channel my creativity and passion into something truly outstanding. The ability to inspire others and push boundaries is truly something special. As I continue on this path, I am driven by the thought that through theater, I am able contribute more empathy, inclusivity, and overall confidence to our society. The arts have the capacity to leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities, and I am eager to be a part of this profound artistic journey.