I am what’s known as a boy-dancer. I am a dancer, actor, and singer. Before college, I performed in more than 30 community musical theater productions, I danced in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop for 10 years, and I danced competitively for 6 years. I was also a performer in my high school One Act Play. Dancing and performing are all I’ve ever done, all I’ve ever wanted to do. There was never a Plan B for me. I always knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am currently a second-year university student pursuing a BFA in Dance. I am taking classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and choreography. My goal in college is to strengthen my dance technique and choreography. I am taking Pilates classes to gain strength. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to grow in my craft. In the Spring of 2025, I will be choreographing the University’s Musical Theater Production. Also, in the Spring, I will audition to be a dancer and performer in Texas Outdoor Musical. This fall, along with two different fall recitals, I will perform in a Christmas Program for a local Dance Company. I’ve always wanted to be a dance instructor, so this year, I am teaching two dance classes a week at a recreational dance company to youth ages 3-16. This aligns perfectly with my goals. After graduation, I will audition to be a cruise ship performer. I will also travel abroad to gain dance experience and learn new dance techniques from around the globe. My end goal is to open a studio in my hometown to have dance and performing arts available to the youth in my rural community. As a first-generation college student, my parents and I were shocked at the cost of tuition on top of residential living and meal plans. My parents are paying for my education out of their savings. I am doing my part, working a few hours a week, and applying for all of the scholarships I’m eligible for, those offered through my local foundations, at my university, and online. I’ve also applied for the FAFSA as soon as it’s open. I have always wanted to be a performer. I knew I wanted to use any education and experience I had to become a teacher and instructor. This scholarship would allow me to add a BFA in Dance Education to my degree without it being more of a financial burden on my parents.

When I was in kindergarten, my mom took me to a community musical theater youth production of Seussical the Musical. I was captivated. I had never seen anything like it. My parents had put me in soccer, taekwondo, and other activities, but nothing stuck. I enjoyed being around my peers. I wasn’t into sitting in front of the TV or playing video games. Watching the youth in this production was magical — the dancing, the singing, the costumes! — I needed to be on that stage! When I was 7, I began auditioning and performing in 3-4 youth productions a year. When I was 11, I took up dance at this same theater company, and later, I was on the competition dance team. Performing arts has been my life for more than 10 years. There is nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do. There was never a Plan B. I come from a small rural community in Texas, where the main focus is football or basketball. There wasn’t much room for a boy dancer. I was teased, I was left out and misunderstood. The summer before my junior year in high school, I was done. I was burned out, stressed out, and depressed, I wanted to quit everything. I had been bullied in the community theater program I was involved in. The director just blew me off, saying I was too sensitive and I was blowing it out of proportion. I decided to step down from community theater and competition dance. At that time I had the good fortune to be involved in High School One Act Play. I emailed my One Act Play teacher/director and told him I was no longer doing community theater and I was stepping down from One Act Play as well. He dropped everything and called me, asked what was going on, he LISTENED to me. He told me I would deal with struggles as a male dancer, ballet dancer, and performer, he also told me I had a talent and passion that would be wasted if I didn’t pursue it. He reminded me I had such a passion, that I would regret not pursuing it, growing this craft. I didn’t go back to community theater, but I did give 100% of my energy to One Act Play and ended up winning numerous “Best Performer” and “All-Star Cast” awards. For this reason, I am going to college as a dance major with a BFA in Dance. I hope to also earn a BFA in Dance Education. My end goal is to go back home and open a performing arts studio to make dance and performance more accessible to the youth in my rural community. A performing arts degree is unlike any other with practice, night and weekend rehearsals, dress rehearsals etc. This degree keeps us very busy. There’s no time to pursue a steady part-time job, it would be very challenging to join any other clubs or organizations. Weekends are filled with rehearsals so it’s very hard to get home on the weekends, so I get homesick at times. Missing out on church and church related activities can be lonely as well. However, dancing and performing is fun and exciting and my dance peers are all in this with me.

When I was in kindergarten, my mom took me to a community musical theater youth production of Seussical the Musical. I was captivated. I had never seen anything like it. My parents had put me in soccer, taekwondo, and other activities, but nothing stuck. I enjoyed being around my peers. I wasn’t into sitting in front of the TV or playing video games. Watching the youth in this production was magical — the dancing, the singing, the costumes! — I needed to be on that stage! When I was 7, I began auditioning and performing in 3-4 youth productions a year. When I was 11, I took up dance at this same theater company, and later, I was on the competition dance team. Performing arts has been my life for more than 10 years. There is nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do. There was never a Plan B. I come from a small rural community in Texas, where the main focus is football or basketball. There wasn’t much room for a boy dancer. I was teased, I was left out and misunderstood. The summer before my junior year in high school, I was done. I was burned out, stressed out, and depressed, I wanted to quit everything. I had been bullied in the community theater program I was involved in. The director just blew me off, saying I was too sensitive and I was blowing it out of proportion. I decided to step down from community theater and competition dance. At that time I had the good fortune to be involved in High School One Act Play. I emailed my One Act Play teacher/director and told him I was no longer doing community theater and I was stepping down from One Act Play as well. He dropped everything and called me, asked what was going on, he LISTENED to me. He told me I would deal with struggles as a male dancer, ballet dancer, and performer, he also told me I had a talent and passion that would be wasted if I didn’t pursue it. He reminded me I had such a passion, that I would regret not pursuing it, growing this craft. I didn’t go back to community theater, but I did give 100% of my energy to One Act Play and ended up winning numerous “Best Performer” and “All-Star Cast” awards. For this reason, I am going to college as a dance major with a BFA in Dance. I hope to also earn a BFA in Dance Education. My end goal is to go back home and open a performing arts studio to make dance and performance more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I never recognized my mental health may be a concern until the pandemic, during lockdown. I had always been in school, involved in extracurricular activities, church, and so on. I have always been shy and reserved, quiet, but I was always busy. During lockdown when all of that stopped, the busyness stopped, and that’s when I realized I might be depressed. Dancing and performing kept the overthinking at bay. Going to church kept my focus on God. When everything stopped and it got quiet I got overwhelmed. I lost my focus. I am an only child, I was in high school during lockdown and my parents were considered essential workers, so I was left home alone. I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t dancing, I was angry, I was lonely. It didn’t take long for my parents to realize I was in a bad place. Even before I told them I was spiraling, they recognized my struggle. They made sure I was eating, they would call several times a day to check up on me. My mom stocked up on all the snacks and made sure I had good healthy meals available. My dad made sure I exercised regularly. I didn’t realize how important exercise was and is to my mental health, it’s almost as important as a good healthy diet. I am a dancer and performer so finding YouTube videos online, even participating in some online dance classes was a huge help. Recognizing I might have depression was the first step we could make as a family to healing. During this time was when I opened my bible and drew closer to God. That’s essentially where my help came from; prayer and daily bible reading. Now in college, dealing with homesickness, a packed schedule of dancing, rehearsals, performances, work, and extracurricular activities, I can get overwhelmed and exhausted and I can feel myself start that process over again, depression, overthinking, not eating, not resting, being short-tempered, not calling my parents. Being able to recognize that pattern is so important. I maintain my mental wellness by getting plenty of exercise other than dance and dance practice. I walk my campus, go to the gym, and get in a good run or lift some weights. I eat and snack regularly, and I stay away from sodas and energy drinks. I’m too young, even if I wasn’t, I would stay away from alcohol and I don’t smoke or vape. I find more creative outlets for my anxiety. I read and write. I read my bible and do bible journaling. I make sure not to close myself off in my dorm. I go to the library to do my school work and I walk all over my campus. And I stay involved with my church and college student ministries. I also keep an open line of communication with my parents. I get daily prayers and words of encouragement through text, from my parents. The best thing I can do is just be aware of myself and my physical and mental health.

I am the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree. My parents have always wanted me to go to college. For as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed of going to college. My parents didn't have the option or opportunity to go to college, they both went straight to work after school. They know from experience how hard finding work can be without a degree. Sure it's a little different now, but having that college degree will provide more opportunities and open so many more doors for me. I am a dancer and have been for about 10 years. I practice in tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet. I am a boy dancer who excels at ballet. I've known for a long time the best way to become the best dancer I can be is to go to college. I love learning new things, new dances, new techniques. I am a quick learner and retain information well. Learning from teachers and professors who have worked in the industry is life-changing. My dance professors have put what I can do with my chosen career into perspective. While a college education will set me up for success as a performer, it will also prepare me for life and help me grow as an individual. I grew up and went to school, church, and worked, in a small rural community. After school, from the age of 7 or 8, my mom would pick me up from school, and drive to the town 25 miles away to take me to dance and theater rehearsals. Every day for about 10 years, this was our life. I'd practice, or have some sort of rehearsal 4-5 days a week throughout the year. Even in the summer. Performing was my life, I was never going to give it up. But sometimes, that 30-minute drive home after a late night and long rehearsal was difficult. On top of that, when I got to middle school and more kids found out I was a dancer and into musical theater I got teased, along with some name-calling. It got so bad I almost quit. I just love dancing and performing too much. I had some big dreams, and none of them started or ended with me quitting. I decided in 9th grade I was going to open up my own studio in my hometown. There are plenty of dance studios 30 minutes away, but that drive alone just isn't safe at night. It's not always convenient. How many kids are missing out because their parents can't make that commute twice a day? So I am going to get this college education, I am going to continue my education as a cruise ship performer and travel internationally to gain more experience and knowledge so I can come home and open a performing arts studio. My dream, my goal, is to make performance arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

When I was in high school I had the honor of being the varsity mascot. I was Charlie The Cougar. I directed and choreographed skits for pep rally's. During football and basketball games I kept the student section and fans engaged. I encouraged everyone to stay involved and kept spirits up. I loved engaging with my littlest fans. I was a leader in National Honor Society, having been voted in as Vice President of my school's NHS Chapter. I participated in One Act Play where I played a non-speaking puppet and a non-speaking ghost. I won multiple awards for Best Performer and All-Star Cast. I led my One Act Play team to the State Championship where we won. At my home church, I lead small group studies and youth worship. I sing with my church's worship team. During the summer I lead kids and volunteers in song and dance at Vacation Bible School. I am also a leader at Youth Camp in the summer. I am a dance major starting my second year of college this fall. I take all of my classes and dance rehearsals seriously. I am disciplined and consistent, and I have a strong work ethic. I thrive in a structured environment. I am always engaged and always prepared. I'm very passionate about dance and performing. I show up to all of my classes on time, I never miss one rehearsal. I'm very respectful of my peers and professors. I ask questions and I'm respectfully courageous in offering my advice when asked. One of my dance instructors was struggling with a piece of choreography and I offered up a suggestion which was received in a positive manner. Being part of the performing arts program there is always drama going on, I've made it a point to stay away from drama. I just don't get involved in drama and I don't listen to gossip. This fall I will get to test my leadership skills working on the staff at the university dance program Children’s Dance Academy where I will teach and choreograph young students in recreational dance. Later, after graduation and working as a performer, I hope to open a dance studio to teach performing arts and dance to the youth in my rural community, so I am excited and prepared to develop my leadership and pedagogy skills as a staff member in this dance academy. In my first year in college, I participated in Baptist Student Ministries, an on-campus, faith-based, student organization. I had the opportunity to lead what we call discovery groups, small bible study groups held in our dorms. This year I will still participate in BSM, and I will be on the hospitality leadership team. As a leader on this team, I will encourage my team and work with my team to greet people at events and outreach programs. I will lead my team so that we are intentional in making people, particularly new students, feel welcome. As a leader on this team, I will be on the lookout for anyone feeling out of place, meeting and introducing new students to our BSM group. I am a leader in that I am professional and organized, I am compassionate kind, and humble.

I am a performer; a dancer, an actor, and a singer. This had been my passion for about 10 years. Keeping busy with local community theater and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I was heavily involved in local community theatre. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I danced in tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet from 2015 until I graduated high school. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. Dance and performance is my dream. There is nothing else I want to do. There is no plan B. There were two problems with this. First, I come from a rural, west Texas community. There are certain expectations as a boy and young man growing up in a west Texas rural community, and being a boy dancer is not one of them. I was teased and picked on a little bit because of my passion for dance and theater. Are there other students in this community wanting to pursue something different and fear peer pressure? As a "boy" dancer pursuing a BFA in Dance and later Dance Education my hope is opening and teaching at a dance studio would limit the stereotyping and judgment that might occur for youth dancers. The other problem was, coming from a rural community, my parents and I had a 30-minute commute to my dance and theater studio. My parents commuted from their place of business to pick me up from school and bring me 30 miles to the dance studio and theater studio where I rehearsed. Then 30 miles back home after rehearsal. They did this almost every day, no matter the weather, winter, spring, summer, and fall, for 10 years. I know some parents wouldn't do this, they don't want the hassle of driving back and forth, and they may not even have the time. I am headed into my second year of college pursuing a BFA in dance. I will then go on to pursue a dance education degree. I will also be a staff member in my university dance program’s children’s Dance Academy where I will teach and choreograph. With this degree, I will come back home and open a dance and performing arts studio in this growing rural community to make arts more accessible to the youth in my community.

I am a dancer and performer. I’m a young man who thrives on the stage. I come from a rural community that lives for Friday Night football and spring baseball. Being a boy dancer who specializes in ballet and tap dancing, left me open to some peer pressure and a little bit of bullying. It got so bad, at one point I almost gave it up. I have always been a little stubborn and I’ve never quit anything in my life. I certainly wasn’t going to give up my dream of being a stage performer. Dancing is how I express myself. Learning and creating new choreography and new dance techniques is what brings me joy. Dancing is all I’ve ever done, all I ever want to do. I’m in college pursuing a BFA in Dance. Later I hope to be a dance instructor and share my joy and passion with the youth in my rural community.

I'm in college now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Dance. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. The dance program offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, and more. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to spread my wings as a dancer and performer. I am a performer, dancer, actor, and singer. I’ve been doing this for more than 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. Around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I have performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so much to my dismay, I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to the director, who was also the dance teacher, I asked her how I could be a part of the big dance numbers, not just in Mary Poppins, but in all of the musicals, and she suggested dance classes. So talked with my parents, and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes. I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, classes and I’ve never looked back. I danced recreationally from 2015 to 2023, I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I knew from an early age I wanted to be a dancer and performer. After graduation, I will work on a cruise ship as a dancer and performer. Touring and performing as a dancer has always been my dream with the end goal of opening a dance and performing arts studio in my rural hometown. This scholarship will go towards helping me earn, not just my BFA in Dance, but I could work towards a BFA in Dance Education without it being a financial burden.

I am a performer; a dancer, an actor, and a singer. This has been my passion for more than 10 years. Keeping busy with local community theater and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do, all I've ever wanted to do. I am a boy dancer. I had tried sports, soccer, basketball, even taekwondo. Regular sports didn't click for me. Team sports held no appeal for me. This wasn't always easy coming from a rural West Texas community where sports are life. It all started when I was six, and my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children's books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me; I had to become involved in it; I needed to be on that stage! From July 2011 up until July 2021, I was heavily involved in local community theater. By the time I was 16, I had performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. While performing I also danced recreationally from 2015-present. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so much to my dismay, I couldn't perform in the big "Step in Time" number. I talked to the director, who was also the dance teacher, I asked her how I could be a part of the big dance numbers, not just in Mary Poppins, but in all of the musicals, and she suggested dance classes. I talked with my parents, and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes. I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop classes and I've never looked back. I also danced competitively from 2018-2021. I knew a dance career was in my future, so I stepped down from competition dance and moved to a smaller studio to focus more on dance technique and strengthening. I would also receive more individualized training here. Musical theater and dance have been the biggest part of my life for more than 10 years; there is nothing else I want to do. I don't have a plan B. The dance program where I am attending college offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, and more. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to spread my wings as a dancer, choreographer, and performer. The unique advantage to being a dance major, is I get to audition and perform in the Musical Theater Programs productions, if I so choose. I love watching live theater, musical theater and plays. I love dancing and performing on stage even more. I can't wait to do a few tours as a cruise ship performer. I'm excited to tour internationally to learn new stage and dance techniques. I will bring all this back to my hometown to open a studio so I can make performing arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I am a performer, dancer, actor, and singer. I’ve been doing this for more than 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. Around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I performed in more than 30 community musical theater productions. At age 11, I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, classes and I’ve never looked back. I danced recreationally from 2015 to 2023, I danced competitively from 2018-2021. The performing arts studio I belonged to was a 30-minute commute from my home and school. My parent's place of business is also a 30-minute commute between home and work. My mom, and sometimes my dad, would leave work, come to pick me up from school, and drive me back to town for theater and dance rehearsal. My mom would stay in town until rehearsal was over, usually about 7 in the evening, then we'd drive home. Again, we did this 5 to 6 days a week for several years. Then I got my driver's license and drove myself to town. I had always wanted to start my dance school, but as I got older, the plan, the dream, was clearer. I would come back, after college, and open a dance and performing arts studio to make the arts more accessible to the youth in this rural community. I'm in college now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Dance. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. The dance program offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, and more. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to spread my wings as a dancer and performer and later a dance teacher.

I am a performer and dancer. I've been performing in community musical theater for more than 10 years, performing in more than 30 musical theater performances. I've been dancing in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop for about 8 years. I danced competitively for 5 years. My mom took me to see a community performance of Seussical the Musical when I was in kindergarten and I knew then I wanted to be on that stage. The costumes, the dancing, and the singing, I needed to be on that stage. I danced recreationally for 2-3 hours a night, several days a week. All of the hard work and hours led me to a place where that's all I wanted to do. Dancing and performing are all I want to do, I never had a plan B. I served in my church youth group as a small group leader and youth worship leader. I also served on the church worship team. I lead Vacation Bible School in song and dance. I also served as a youth leader at youth camp. I just completed my first year of college working towards a BFA in Dance Performance. When I go back in the fall I will be working with the university's children's Dance Academy as a teacher and choreographer. My first goal after graduation is to become a cruise ship performer. Then I will tour nationally as well as internationally learning and growing in dance techniques. Working as a dancer and performance artist internationally I will learn new dance techniques and choreography. I want to do all of this because I want to see the world and learn new cultures. Most of all, I want to come back home and open a dance studio. I come from a rural community, with a population of 600. I had to commute 30 minutes after school to the next town to the dance and theater studio, then back home in the evenings. My parents did this for me for 10 years, every day. My dream is to come back here and open a studio to make dance and performance arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community. After talking with my advisor I learned I could also work towards a BFA in Dance Education. This scholarship would go towards helping me earn that Dance Education major without it being more of a financial burden.

I'm in college now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Dance. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. The dance program offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, and more. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to spread my wings as a dancer and performer. I am a performer, dancer, actor, and singer. I’ve been doing this for more than 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. Around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I have performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so much to my dismay, I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to the director, who was also the dance teacher, I asked her how I could be a part of the big dance numbers, not just in Mary Poppins, but in all of the musicals, and she suggested dance classes. So talked with my parents, and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes. I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, classes and I’ve never looked back. I danced recreationally from 2015 to 2023, I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I knew from an early age I wanted to be a dancer and performer. After graduation, I will work on a cruise ship as a dancer and performer. Touring and performing as a dancer has always been my dream with the end goal of opening a dance and performing arts studio in my rural hometown. This scholarship will go towards helping me earn, not just my BFA in Dance, but I could work towards a BFA in Dance Education without it being a financial burden.

I am a performer; a dancer, an actor, and a singer. This had been my passion for about 10 years. Keeping busy with local community theater and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I was heavily involved in local community theatre. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I danced in tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet from 2015 until I graduated high school. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. Dance and performance is my dream. There is no plan B. There were two problems with this. First, I come from a rural, west Texas community. There are certain expectations as a boy and young man growing up in a west Texas rural community, and being a boy dancer is not one of them. I was teased and picked on a little bit because of my passion for dance and theater. Are there other students in this community wanting to pursue something different and fear peer pressure? The other problem was, coming from a rural community, there was a 30-minute commute to my dance and theater studio. My parents commuted from their place of business to pick me up from school and bring me 30 miles to the dance studio and theater studio where I rehearsed. Then 30 miles back home after rehearsal. They did this almost every day, no matter the weather, winter, spring, summer, and fall, for 10 years. I know some parents wouldn't do this, they don't want the hassle of driving back and forth, and they may not even have the time. The most important thing in my life is my relationship with God, nothing comes close. Behind that is dance. I love dancing, I love learning new dances and dance techniques and coming up with my own choreography. I enjoy listening to music, and searching for new music to match my choreography. I am headed into my second year of college pursuing a BFA in dance. I will then go on to pursue a dance education degree. With this degree, I will come back home and open a dance and performing arts studio in this growing rural community to make arts more accessible to the youth in my community.

Leaving to go to college in August 2023 was my greatest achievement. I am a first-generation college student. My parents never went to college, so none of us knew what to expect. I had never been away from home before. Except for church camp for a week during the summers, I had never been away from home. I always knew if I wanted to be the best performer I could be, I needed to go to college. I knew getting that degree would open more doors and provide more opportunities for me. I was equal parts excited and nervous to go. I would be going to college 5 hours away from home. Far enough away my parents and I wouldn't be in each other's hip pocket and I couldn't run home if the going got tough. I was still close enough that could drive home or my parents could pop up for a quick weekend visit. We had made the decision that I wouldn't take my truck to school. My school is pretty small, the whole campus is maybe one-mile end to end. My dorm was right across from my main school building and only a short walk to the cafeteria, or anywhere else I might want to go on campus. After the first weekend, I was ready to come home. Those first two weeks were so busy, I barely had time to sleep. My schedule was crazy. I was scared, exhausted, and lonely. It was at that point I was kind of glad I didn't have my truck or I would have raced home and never looked back. I called my parents every night, and my mom texted Bible verses and sweet notes every morning and throughout the day to give me a boost. One thing about me though is, I'm no quitter. Once I get over feeling all of my feelings, I buckle down and get to work. I'm courageous and resilient. Once I got over my homesickness I realized I liked college, I loved the newness of everything and I was thriving in my musical theater program. I had been through hard things before, but my parents were always right there to pick me up. This time, they weren't right there, but they were there in spirit. I learned I could just take a deep breath, focus, and just have confidence in myself. I learned I was braver and more courageous than I thought. I actually finished my first year of college having won the honor of being on the Presidents List both semesters. Being away from home has given me the courage and confidence to know I've made the right decision for my future as a traveling dance and theater performer. I'm very excited to be a cruise ship performer after graduation. I plan on also touring nationally as a performing artist. Leaving home for college has prepared me for leaving home on a more permanent basis.

I am the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree. My parents have always wanted me to go to college. For as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed of going to college. My parents didn't have the option or opportunity to go to college, they both went straight to work after school. They know from experience how hard finding work can be without a degree. Sure it's a little different now, but having that college degree will provide more opportunities and open so many more doors for me. I am a dancer and have been for about 10 years. I practice in tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballet. I am a boy dancer who excels at ballet. I've known for a long time the best way to become the best dancer I can be is to go to college. I love learning new things, new dances, new techniques. I am a quick learner and retain information well. Learning from teachers and professors who have worked in the industry is life-changing. My dance professors have put what I can do with my chosen career into perspective. While a college education will set me up for success as a performer, it will also prepare me for life and help me grow as an individual. I grew up and went to school, church, and worked, in a small rural community. After school from the age of 7 or 8, my mom would pick me up from school, and drive to the town 25 miles away to take me to dance and theater rehearsals. Every day for about 10 years, this was our life. I'd practice, or have some sort of rehearsal 4-5 days a week throughout the year. Even in the summer. Performing was my life, I was never going to give it up. But sometimes, that 30-minute drive home after a late night and long rehearsal was difficult. On top of that, when I got to middle school and more kids found out I was a dancer and into musical theater I got teased, along with some name-calling. It got so bad I almost quit. I just love dancing and performing too much. I had some big dreams, and none of them started or ended with me quitting. I decided in 9th grade I was going to open up my own studio in my hometown. There are plenty of dance studios 30 minutes away, but that drive alone just isn't safe at night. It's not always convenient. How many kids are missing out because their parents can't make that commute twice a day? So I am going to get this college education, I am going to continue my education as a cruise ship performer and travel internationally to gain more experience and knowledge so I can come home and open a performing arts studio. My dream, my goal, is to make performance arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

My name is Zarek. I come from a rural community 20 miles from the next big city. I went to middle school and high school in this rural community. In my senior year of high school, I participated in One Act Play where I played a non-speaking puppet and I won numerous "best-performer" awards and different competitions. My team went on to win the 2A State Championship. I was involved in National Honor Society for two years, where I was nominated as my NHS chapter vice president. I was the varsity mascot where I choreographed and directed my own skits, I kept the crowd energized and engaged during football and basketball games. I also worked as a barista in the mornings before school as part of the work program. Up until I left for college I was very involved in a local church. I was a team leader in my youth group where I led small group bible studies and youth worship. I participated on the worship team during Sunday Service. During the summer I led VBS in song and dance. I did some interning in different capacities helping with ministry events preparation, personal spiritual growth, and development activities. Outside of school and church, I was involved in musical theater, dance, and competition dance. At age six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me; I had to become involved in it; I needed to be on that stage! When I was 7, I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man; I've performed as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. I had no real dance experience at that time, so, much to my dismay, I didn't get to perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the musical theater/dance director and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes; ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, and I’ve never looked back. To this day, I adore performing on the stage. Throughout middle and high school I dance 4-5 days a week 2-3 hours a night. In 2018 I joined the competition dance team. I stepped down from competition dance in 2021 and moved to a smaller dance studio where I still danced daily 2-3 hours a night and I received more individualized training. I did all of this while maintaining a 3.9 GPA in high school. I always knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. There was never a Plan B. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance is the first step in pursuing my dream. While in school I hope to do an internship abroad or on a cruise ship. After college, my goal is to be a cruise ship performer. I will also tour nationally as well as internationally as a stage performer and dancer. The end goal, after education and gaining experience, is to open a dance studio to make dance and performing arts available to the youth in my community.

During the summer of 2020, while attending a youth community musical theater camp, I picked up a bully. I was always shy and reserved. Being a boy dancer and performer from a rural community, I had a hard time making new friends. This new friend was very funny and energetic. The extrovert to my introvert. I was excited to have a new friend, I didn't feel so alone and left out. And then it became uncomfortable. She wouldn't respect my personal boundaries. When I told her I wanted to be alone, she just ignored me. When I asked her to give me some space, she just kept crowding me. When I shared with her she was making me uncomfortable, she just became very flippant and shrugged off my concerns. Her phone calls and texts were unceasing. I brought this up to the camp director, she did nothing. She told me I was blowing it out of proportion, "the girl was harmless and just having fun." She told me I was just being too sensitive. When I finally told my parents, they offered to pull me from the camp. I had done this camp for several summers, I also participated in this theater's fall and spring musical productions. I spent most of my after-school time in this studio, and I loved performing on the stage. I wasn't going to quit. My parents told me it was okay to say no. It was okay to tell her to leave me alone. So I did just that. This girl proceeded to go around to the camp telling them what a baby I was, what a sensitive little so-and-so I was, and many unkind things. I minded my own business and bided my time and at the end of camp, that would be that. Until the fall when my competition dance team got going for the season and this girl was invited to join the team. I made my feelings and concerns known to this same summer camp director/instructor. This instructor who had known me and seen me almost every day of my life for almost 8 years didn't have my back or best interests at heart. I knew my time there was coming to an end. My dance and theater coach didn't care that I was hurting and being harassed, and I was at a point where I wanted to quit it all! All I've ever wanted to do was dance and perform, so I kept my commitment to my dance coach, my team, and my duet partner. I stayed focused on my goals and avoided this bully as much as possible. Luckily I go to a rural school and church so I had a good reprieve. With the help of God, prayer, my church and school friends, and the support of my parents I got through the year. I stepped down from community theater and devoted more time to One Act Play at school. I also moved to a different, smaller studio, where I had more individualized training. Stepping down from community theater and competition dance opened new doors for me. I was a lead and multiple award winner in One Act Play. I was the varsity mascot; I participated in NHS where I was Vice President. I was also a leader in my church youth group, leading small groups and worship. I am a music and dance leader for Vacation Bible School in the summer, and I also lead small groups at church camp in the summer.

During the summer of 2020, while attending a youth community musical theater camp, I picked up a bully. I was always shy and reserved. Being a boy dancer and performer from a rural community, I had a hard time making new friends. This new friend was very funny and energetic. The extrovert to my introvert. I was excited to have a new friend, I didn't feel so alone and left out. And then it became uncomfortable. She wouldn't respect my personal boundaries. When I told her I wanted to be alone, she just ignored me. When I asked her to give me some space, she just kept crowding me. When I shared with her she was making me uncomfortable, she just became very flippant and shrugged off my concerns. Her phone calls and texts were unceasing. I brought this up to the camp director, she did nothing. She told me I was blowing it out of proportion, "the girl was harmless and just having fun." She told me I was just being too sensitive. When I finally told my parents, they offered to pull me from the camp. I had done this camp for several summers, I also participated in this theater's fall and spring musical productions. I spent most of my after-school time in this studio, and I loved performing on the stage. I wasn't going to quit. My parents told me it was okay to say no. It was okay to tell her to leave me alone. So I did just that. This girl proceeded to go around to the camp telling them what a baby I was, what a sensitive little so-and-so I was, and many unkind things. I minded my own business and bided my time and at the end of camp, that would be that. Until the fall when my competition dance team got going for the season and this girl was invited to join the team. I made my feelings and concerns known to this same summer camp director/instructor. This instructor who had known me and seen me almost every day of my life for almost 8 years didn't have my back or best interests at heart. I knew my time there was coming to an end. My dance and theater coach didn't care that I was hurting and being harassed, and I was at a point where I wanted to quit it all! All I've ever wanted to do was dance and perform. I knew this would be all I ever wanted to do, so I kept my commitment to my dance coach, my team, and my duet partner. I stayed focused on my goals and avoided this bully as much as possible. Luckily I go to a rural school and church so I had a good reprieve. With the help of God, prayer, my church and school friends, and the support of my parents I got through the year. I stepped down from community theater and devoted more time to One Act Play at school. I also moved to a different, smaller studio, where I had more individualized training. Being bullied and harassed wasn't fun, but talking about bullying with people who love me and care about me is the most important step. Being seen, being heard, and being taken seriously is important. Not giving up and believing in myself, trusting my instincts are vital! Praying and talking it out, not gossiping about it helped me overcome the frustration of being bullied.

One of my very favorite movies is "Spirited Away". This is one anime film I could - and have - watched over and over again, without growing tired of it. Hayao Miyazaki's “Spirited Away” is a beautiful film depicting characters of all shapes and sizes, telling the story of a young girl who, sick of the world she lives in, only finds herself fighting to go back as she’s transported to the spirit world. She finds work at a bathhouse for spirits and goes on various adventures, hunting witches and riding dragons, all while trying to find her way back to her family. Further, this moving tale is accompanied by a moving soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi. The moral this film tells can draw tears from any man or woman, as well as develop in them an appreciation for the life they’re dealt. In all her hardships in finding her way home, Chihiro, the main character, also has to avoid losing herself in this strange world. Something that most humans neglect in this world is to remember oneself, and Chihiro teaches us to do just that as she stands strong in the world of spirits and magic. Hayao Miyazaki, alongside the animation company Studio Ghibli, creates a wonderful masterpiece with “Spirited Away” one that I always try to bring up in conversation with my friends in attempts to get them to watch it.

Musical theater and dance have been the biggest part of my life for more than 10 years; there is nothing else I want to do. I never had a plan B. When I was 7, I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man; I've performed as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins, and that's when everything changed. I had no real dance experience at that time, so, much to my dismay, I didn't get to perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the musical theater/dance director and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes; ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, and I’ve never looked back. Throughout middle and high school I danced 4-5 days a week 2-3 hours a night. In 2018 I joined the competition dance team. I stepped down from competition dance in 2021 and moved to a smaller dance studio where I still danced daily 2-3 hours a night and I received more individualized training. I did all of this while maintaining a 3.9 GPA in high school. Ever since I was in junior high, I've known I wanted to go to college. I knew, even with the hours of training and dedication I'd put into theater, dance, and voice lessons, the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I just finished my first year and I am studying to earn a BFA in dance. I am also in the process of adding a BFA in Dance Education and with a little extra time and hard work I'll graduate with a double bachelor. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I've been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. While a college education will set me up for success as a performer, it will also prepare me for life and help me grow as an individual. My goal is to become a cruise ship performer, then to tour nationally and internationally gaining experience and knowledge on the stage of musical theater after graduation from college. While I am touring and performing I will continue my education so I can come home and complete my dream of opening a dance studio in my hometown. I come from a small rural community where I went to school and church. The studio I performed and danced at is 25 miles away, so getting there after school wasn’t always easy, but I always made it. There were a lot of meals and snacks eaten in the car on the way home after rehearsal or a performance. My hope and goal is to make dance and performance arts accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I’ve seen first hand how not having a college degree has impacted my parents. They own and operate their own mom and pop business, they don’t have any employees. Before opening their business, not having a degree, a lot of doors were closed to them. They’ve had to sacrifice and work extra hard. Being the first in my family to attend college has made me and my parents very proud. I’m seeing how dedication and hard work in college will help me grow as an individual. Having this degree will give me the chance to learn from professionals in my field of dance. A solid college education will open more doors and provide more opportunities for me. I am pursuing a BFA in Dance. I’ve been participating in musical theater and dance for more than 10 years. I am a performer; a dancer, an actor. This had been my passion for about 10 years. Keeping busy with local community theater and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. Going to college has always been my goal. I’ve never had a Plan B. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I love learning new things about dance, and how hard I can push myself. I retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance is the first step in pursuing my dream. I’ve applied and been accepted to work as a student dance teacher at a dance studio through the college I attend. While in school I hope to do an internship abroad or on a cruise ship. After graduating college, the first thing I will do is work as a performer on a cruise ship. I also hope to tour nationally as well as internationally as a dance performer. I will continue learning and growing in my craft through continuing education and work experience. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make dance and performing arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I come from a small rural community. Before leaving for college in the Fall of 2023 I went to school, and church there. I also worked as a barista at a small family-owned coffee shop during my senior year. We are a small and growing rural community with a pizza parlor, coffee shop, several churches, a beauty parlor, and more. Outside of school, I was a performer. I performed in community theater and took recreational and competitive dance for more than 10 years. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I have performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so much to my dismay, I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to the director, who was also the dance teacher, I asked her how I could be a part of the big dance numbers, not just in Mary Poppins, but in all of the musicals, and she suggested dance classes. So talked with my parents, and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes. I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, classes and I’ve never looked back. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I knew from an early age I wanted to be a dancer and performer. Touring and performing as a dancer has always been my dream with the end goal of opening a dance and performing arts studio in my rural hometown. I'm in college now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Dance. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. The dance program offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, and more. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to spread my wings as a dancer and performer. The performing arts studio I was a part of is a 30-minute commute from my home and school. My parent's place of business is also a 30-minute commute between home and school. My mom, and sometimes my dad, would leave work, come to pick me up from school, and drive me back to town for theater rehearsal and dance practice. My mom would stay in town until rehearsal was over, usually about 7 or 8 in the evening, then we’d drive home. Again, we did this 5 to 6 days a week for about 10 years. Then I got my driver's license, now I get to drive myself. I had always wanted to start my dance school, but as I got older, the plan, the dream, was clearer. I would come back, after college, and open my studio here! After I graduate from college I will tour nationally as well as internationally, I want to do a few performance tours on a cruise ship. I will continue my education and continue growing as a dancer and performer. I will gain as much experience and knowledge as I can so I can come back to my hometown and open a dance and performing arts studio. I will make the arts more accessible to the youth in my community.

I come from a small rural community. Before leaving for college in the Fall of 2023 I went to school, and church there. I also worked as a barista at a small family-owned coffee shop during my senior year. We are a small and growing rural community with a pizza parlor, coffee shop, several churches, a beauty parlor, and more. Outside of school, I was a performer. I performed in community theater and took recreational and competitive dance for more than 10 years. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I have performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so much to my dismay, I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to the director, who was also the dance teacher, I asked her how I could be a part of the big dance numbers, not just in Mary Poppins, but in all of the musicals, and she suggested dance classes. So talked with my parents, and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes. I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, classes and I’ve never looked back. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I knew from an early age I wanted to be a dancer and performer. Touring and performing as a dancer has always been my dream with the end goal of opening a dance and performing arts studio in my rural hometown. I'm in college now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Dance. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. The dance program offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, and more. The wide range of performing arts education within this major will help me to spread my wings as a dancer and performer. The performing arts studio I was a part of is a 30-minute commute from my home and school. My parent's place of business is also a 30-minute commute between home and school. My mom, and sometimes my dad, would leave work, come to pick me up from school, and drive me back to town for theater rehearsal and dance practice. My mom would stay in town until rehearsal was over, usually about 7 or 8 in the evening, then we’d drive home. Again, we did this 5 to 6 days a week for about 10 years. Then I got my driver's license, now I get to drive myself. I had always wanted to start my dance school, but as I got older, the plan, the dream, was clearer. I would come back, after college, and open my studio here! After I graduate from college I will tour nationally as well as internationally, I want to do a few performance tours on a cruise ship. I will continue my education and continue growing as a dancer and performer. I will gain as much experience and knowledge as I can so I can come back to my hometown and open a dance and performing arts studio. I will make the arts more accessible to the youth in my community.

Although it is tempting to choose Eleven for her powers, the physical toll they take on her would be a concern. The drama she has with her family and boyfriend drives the point further that my squad does not exactly need her. First, I would choose Jim Hopper for my team. He has access to Eleven if worse comes to worse, but he has combat training and has weathered Russian imprisonment. He’s also a very strong-willed and rational man who can think quickly to survive various situations. His firearm training also convinced me he would be an asset. Speaking of firearms, Nancy Wheeler has more than enough experience with one that she will take the second spot on my team. She's faces everything with strength and courage. Despite what most viewers would think when seeing her, she’s held her own against some dangerous opponents, and she’s always put protecting her loved ones above any drama she may be in the middle of. Choosing my third squad member has proved challenging because it’s hard to separate characters who complement each other so well after going through these different seasons. Teamwork has always proven the best strategy throughout episodes of “Stranger Things”. Also, no other character consistently uses firearms as much as Jim and Nancy. For my third and final squad member, I choose Dustin Henderson. His mind has proven useful on more than one occasion over the duration of the series, as well as his girlfriend Suzie. Dustin's positive outlook and problem-solving abilities also make him an asset to the team. I believe this squad with different skill sets, outlooks, and ages would prove most effective against the forces of the Upside Down.

My favorite movie on Netflix, and one of my favorite movies in general, is “Glass Onion”. This Netflix Original sequel to “Knives Out” gives us a hilarious and thrilling movie that I have watched and re-watched several times, and always enjoy analyzing deeper and deeper. An example of how detailed this movie is can be seen in how the Mona Lisa, who plays a prominent role in this movie, is mirrored in Ms. Brands, a protagonist, pose right before the credits roll. From her pose to her thought-provoking eyes and smile, Ms. Brand relishes in her victory as the Coast Guard comes to arrest a murderer on his tropical private island. Also, the movie takes place in 2020, so seeing face masks and isolation in a film was honestly quite enjoyable. The director, Rian Johnson, meticulously planned how each character would wear a mask as they are each introduced to the world-famous detective Benoit Blanc in the films beginning, before taking some mysterious COVID-19 immunization mouth spray. The mystery in this movie truly kept me guessing as well as smiling at all the humorous bits. Also, the last few minutes of the movie have me smiling thinking about them as the murderer's livelihood both literally and figuratively blows up in his face. The cast containing Daniel Craig, Kathryn Hahn, Madelyn Cline, and many more all have such great chemistry together and tell this complex story beautifully. The scenic design, costuming, and soundtrack also bolster the plot of this movie greatly. Birdie's bright and extravagant costumes reflect her personality in that she might also just be a loud personality that compensates for her lack of common sense. While Lionel and Claire dress more modestly given their careers and dispositions, however in a movie reflective of how money and power corrupt, this may not be the best appearance for these two. As for the music, there’s a specific melody on a piano that plays whenever a certain character shows up. The music bears similarity to Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”. This particular tune lets the audience know that this woman, Ms. Brand, is hiding something, almost as if there’s a shroud in front of her and no one can see her clearly, apart from Benoit Blanc. This nuanced movie can seem complex at first, but much like the title “Glass Onion” one can see right through it, or at least peel back the layers to find what he or she is looking for. Benoit Blanc also helps immensely in bringing all the riddles hidden throughout the movie to a most satisfying and theatrical conclusion.

As a boy growing up in a small rural community, in west Texas, there's an unspoken understanding you would play sports. I was a tall boy and tall teenager so it was also assumed I would play basketball. Being a boy and young man in a small country school who wanted nothing to do with football, basketball, or baseball left me open to some peer pressure. I was told the only way to fit in, to make friends, would be to join in sports. The thing is, around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children's books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the high-energy dancing captivated me. This is what I wanted to do! I needed to be on that stage! I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so I couldn't perform in the big "Step in Time" number. I talked to my parents and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Being a boy dancer, who excelled at ballet and who loved all things musical theater, left me open to some ridicule, a little bit of bullying, and just being left out. The bullying in 8th grade almost made me quit everything, school, dance, and theater. I was tired of being picked on, bopped in the head with water bottles, teased and mocked, and straws and pencils were thrown at me. When my mom picked me up from school, I would get in the car crying. There was talk of homeschooling. I considered trying organized sports to fit in, I even considered giving up my passion. I had never quit anything! Dancing and theater were my escape! I prayed for it to stop. My parents prayed with me for strength, courage, compassion, and forgiveness for these few bullies. After several weeks of this, my mom had a conversation with my then-middle school counselor and the counselor talked with the boys, she also had a private discussion with me about speaking up, not suffering in silence. Almost overnight the bullying stopped. I still wasn't invited to hang out, I wasn't invited to sleepovers or the movies. But I wasn't being picked on anymore, and that was enough for me. I had dance and musical theater. By the time high school came around, I knew, that no matter what, no matter the teasing — even light-hearted teasing — no matter the stereotyping, I would dance and perform for the rest of my life. I am going to college to get the training and education to be the best-performing artist I can be. After college, I hope to tour as a performer and dancer nationally as well as internationally. Making performing arts and dance more accessible to my rural community is very important to me. After the training, continuing education, and experience, my hope is to one day come back home to open a dance and performing arts studio and become a leader in my church youth group, and a leader on the worship team.

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. This is what I've done for about 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in community musical theatre, recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where it's all I want to do. I don't have a backup plan. From July 2012 up until July 2021, I was heavily involved in local community musical theater. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in various roles. I've performed as an ensemble character and dancer in 101 Dalmations, Mary Poppins, and School of Rock. I was a lead dancer in Newsies, Addams Family, and Matilda. I've played Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I also danced recreationally in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary from 2015-2021, and I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I stepped down from community theater and competitive dance in 2021 to focus on dance, school, and church. I now dance at a local dance company in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. 3 days a week, 1-2 hours a night. I participated in One Act Play during my junior and senior years of high school. This year I played the part of a puppet, a dog named Sparky, and a ghost/spirit. At the district and regional competitions I received an award for Best Performer. At the area competition and State competition I won All-Star Cast. Our team won the UIL 2A State championship for One Act Play. Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. That's why I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I've been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. After graduating college, the first thing I will do is work as a performer on a cruise ship. I also hope to tour nationally as well as internationally on the musical theater circuit. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make dance and performing arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I am a performer; a dancer, an actor, and a singer. This had been my passion for about 10 years. Keeping busy with local community theater and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage is all I want to do. From July 2011 up until July 2021, I was heavily involved in local community theatre. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles such as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man and as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. While performing I also danced recreationally from 2015-present. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so much to my dismay, I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to the director, who was also the dance teacher, I asked her how I can be a part of the big dance numbers, not just in Mary Poppins, but in all of the musicals, and she suggested dance classes. So talked with my parents, and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes. I signed up for ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, classes and I’ve never looked back. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. A few years ago I was in a season of slight depression. I didn't want to perform, or dance or anything. I didn't feel like I was good enough. I got involved in my church youth group, then I volunteered to sing in my church praise band. This helped a little bit to get me out of my funk. The summer before my senior year, the One Act Play teacher/director called me personally and asked why I wasn't signed up for One Act. I told him I was done with the stage, finished with dance and performing. Over the course of several days, through phone calls and text messages, he encouraged me to not give up. Mr. T understood that I was exhausted and burned out from being told I was too tall, or my voice was too deep. He also reminded me I had a talent that would be wasted if I gave up now. He didn't beg me to audition, but he gave me the validation and encouragement I had never had from a director before. This year I performed in my high school's One Act Play where I performed as a ghost/spirit, and a puppeteer. I won Best Performer at District and Regionals, and All-Star Cast at Area and State. My school won the 2A UIL One Act Play Championship. To this day, I adore performing on the stage, I found my passion again thanks to Mr. T. Musical theater and dance have been the biggest part of my life for more than 10 years; there is nothing else I want to do. I don't have a plan B. There is no feeling in the world like putting on a costume to perform for an audience. As a performer, whether in musical theater or dance, I have a story to tell that someone needs to hear. Whether it's a comedy or a tragedy, I feel like it's my job to make my audience feel understood.

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. This has been my life for about 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where being on the stage as a dancer and musical theater performer is all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. It's for this reason I a so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better, stronger performer and dancer would be to go to college. I maintain a healthy mind and body by dancing as often as I can. Dancing is an athletic feat, that has the added benefit of keeping my body strong and healthy. I have to eat well to keep up my energy, so drinking plenty of water and limiting sugar has become a habit for me. I've never drunk sodas, so I don't see myself picking this habit up when I begin college in the fall. Dancing and performing keep me grounded and keep me focused. When I'm dancing with a team I need to stay focused so no one gets injured. When I'm rehearsing for a musical theater performance, my head needs to be in the game so I don't stumble and forget my lines. Doing this, dancing and theater, helps me not focus on the negative worldly things going on. If done well, dancing is also a therapeutic art. Dance can convey emotions that our bodies want to say, but words can’t. When I'm frustrated or stressed and don't have the words, I can put on my ballet shoes and express my feelings on the dance floor. The first thing, the most important way I will maintain a healthy mind and soul is to get involved in church. My faith and my relationship with God is the most important thing to me. Church, Youth Group, prayer and God have gotten me through some hard times, stressful and painful times. Being away from my parents, away from my Church family and youth group will be hard so I know the only way I'll get through it is finding a church that has a good college program. Growing and nurturing my relationship with God will be my primary focus. Getting involved in a faith-based organization in college will keep me accountable and will also be a great source of support. Reading my Bible, praying and trusting God will be how I face the challenges I'll face in college and my future.

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. Keeping busy and involved in community musical theatre, recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where it’s all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. Ever since I was 7 years old, I have adored being on the stage, performing in musicals, plays, dance and voice recitals. It all started with local musical theater productions. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man; I've performed as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. My more memorable roles were as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I've danced in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop since I was 12, and danced competitively for 4 years. After years of doing that, I have recently begun singing and playing in church, being more active in my youth group, and competing with the cheer team, and last fall I portrayed my school's mascot Charlie the Cougar. My team won the UIL 2A state championship and I've won best performer and all-star cast with One Act Play. Whether singing, dancing, acting, or wearing a massive cougar suit, the stage is my happy place. Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. That's why I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. As I’ve matured, my reasoning for pursuing performance art has changed and grown. My One Act Play director always tells us before our performance how someone in the audience needs to hear this story. Whatever story we are about to tell, at least one man or woman needs it in one way or another. The way I see it, comedic productions can make someone laugh who may not have laughed in a long time, tragedies can teach people lessons who may see their actions portrayed on the stage or screen, and dramas, or at least sadder plays can make a person feel seen and related to. Theater can make people feel less alone. My goal is to make audiences feel and think. I want my audience to feel loved, happy, contrition, or angry at injustice. I want them to walk away having felt something After graduating college, the first thing I will do is work as a performer on a cruise ship. I also hope to tour nationally as well as internationally on the musical theater circuit. I will continue learning and growing in my craft through continuing education and work experience. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make dance and performing arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. Keeping busy and involved in community musical theatre, recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where it’s all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. That's why I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. As I’ve matured, my reasoning for pursuing performance art has changed and grown. My One Act Play director always tells us before our performance how someone in the audience needs to hear this story. Whatever story we are about to tell, at least one man or woman needs it in one way or another. The way I see it, comedic productions can make someone laugh who may not have laughed in a long time, tragedies can teach people lessons who may see their actions portrayed on the stage or screen, and dramas, or at least sadder plays can make a person feel seen and related to. Theater can make people feel less alone. My goal is to make audiences feel and think. I want my audience to feel loved, happy, contrition, or angry at injustice. I want them to walk away having felt something After graduating college, the first thing I will do is work as a performer on a cruise ship. I also hope to tour nationally as well as internationally on the musical theater circuit. I will continue learning and growing in my craft through continuing education and work experience. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make dance and performing arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. Keeping busy and involved in community musical theatre, recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where it’s all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. That's why I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. As I’ve matured, my reasoning for pursuing performance art has changed and grown. My One Act Play director always tells us before our performance how someone in the audience needs to hear this story. Whatever story we are about to tell, at least one man or woman needs it in one way or another. The way I see it, comedic productions can make someone laugh who may not have laughed in a long time, tragedies can teach people lessons who may see their actions portrayed on the stage or screen, and dramas, or at least sadder plays can make a person feel seen and related to. Theater can make people feel less alone. My goal is to make audiences feel and think. I want my audience to feel loved, happy, contrition, or angry at injustice. I want them to walk away having felt something After graduating college, the first thing I will do is work as a performer on a cruise ship. I also hope to tour nationally as well as internationally on the musical theater circuit. I will continue learning and growing in my craft through continuing education and work experience. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make dance and performing arts more accessible to the youth in my rural community.

I’ve performed in more than 30 musicals in various roles. I've performed as an ensemble character and dancer in 101 Dalmations, Mary Poppins, and School of Rock. I was a lead dancer in Newsies, Addams Family, and Matilda. I've played Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I also danced recreationally in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary from 2015-2021, and I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I participated in One Act Play during my junior and senior years of high school. This year I played the part of a puppet, a dog named Sparky, and a ghost/spirit. At the district and regional competitions I received an award for Best Performer. At the area competition and State competition I won All-Star Cast. Our team won the UIL 2A State championship for One Act Play. Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. After graduating college, the first thing I will do is work as a performer on a cruise ship. I also hope to tour nationally as well as internationally on the musical theater circuit.

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. This is what I’ve done for about 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in community musical theatre, recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where it’s all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. From July 2012 up until July 2021, I was heavily involved in local community musical theater. I’ve performed in more than 30 musicals in various roles. I've performed as an ensemble character and dancer in 101 Dalmations, Mary Poppins, and School of Rock. I was a lead dancer in Newsies, Addams Family, and Matilda. I've played Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I also danced recreationally in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary from 2015-2021, and I danced competitively from 2018-2021. I stepped down from community theater and competitive dance in 2021 to focus on dance, school, and church. I now dance at a local dance company in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. 3 days a week, 1-2 hours a night. This scholarship would help me buy new dance shoes. I haven't bought a new pair of dance shoes in 2 years. Tap, ballet, and jazz shoes for boys, (especially size 12!) Are very expensive and this scholarship would ease the burden on myself and my parents. I am pursuing a musical theater degree at West Texas A&M and plan on working and performing on a cruise ship after graduation. I hope to also tour nationally as well as internationally on the musical theater stage. The time I found myself physically weaker was when I started as a competitive dancer. As a boy dancer, 1 of 5 on a team of 50, I was expected to lift my female team members. I wanted to be a lifter, I was very excited to partner dance. I'm a tall boy, but very slender, not bulky at all. Though I am a strong dancer, my upper body's physical strength was lacking. Although this was/is a physical weakness, it left me emotionally weak as well. It was a little embarrassing that I was the only boy that couldn't lift a girl. After talking to my ballet instructor she gave me tips on how to get stronger. So I watched my nutrition, I was never a junk food eater, but I did try to eat healthier proteins. Snacks would include peanut butter and milk. I also enrolled in strengthening and conditioning classes twice a week. In a matter of 3-4 months, I was noticeably stronger. I didn't bulk up like I hoped I would, but in a healthy, realistic timeframe, I became stronger physically and mentally.

I will be the first in my family to go to college and earn a degree. My parents didn't have that opportunity. My dad's family just couldn't afford it, and my mom grew up in foster care, so they went straight to work during and after high school. There was no internet, there was no Google back then, so they didn't have the scholarship information available like I do today. Applying for colleges and scholarships as a first-generation college student has had its challenges. Having no experience to rely on, my parents and I have had to do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions. This has not deterred me at all, it has emboldened me to ask questions and to persevere. My mom and dad have always encouraged me to keep my grades up and be a good student, never forcing or pushing the college issue, but always hinting and gently suggesting. My mom and dad, especially having never gone to college, understood having a college education would open so many doors and provide more opportunities for me, particularly in my chosen field of musical theater. My parents have always supported me and will always support my (smart) decisions. I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. I know as a first-generation college student, a college education will set me up for success as a performer, it will also prepare me for life and help me grow as an individual.

Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. That's why I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I've been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. Making performing arts and dance more accessible to my rural community is very important to me. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio, and becoming a leader in my church youth group, and a leader on the worship team. I will be the first in my family to go to college, neither of my parents has earned a college degree. My parents own and operate their own very small business, but are still considered low-income. They earn too much for me, as their dependent, to qualify for state or government grants. In today's economic climate, they don't earn enough to send me to college without it being a financial burden. The cost of attending West Texas A&M: including tuition, housing, and books, is approximately 18,000. Based on my SAT, and transcripts I've so far been offered a $1500 yearly scholarship. My EFC based on my FAFSA is 7697. The difference is substantial and not what my family could afford without scholarship aid. It's one of the reasons they didn't go to college, they couldn't afford it, and they didn't have the knowledge we do now about scholarships and grants. My parents just do not want me to start and end college in debt due to student loans. They've paid for dance classes and theater camps for so long, and they've always supported me and encouraged me, I don't want to start my college career being a financial burden. My focus should not be on worrying and stressing about going into debt. My focus should be on auditions, furthering my education, and perfecting my craft to be the best performer I can be. This scholarship would mean housing and meal plan would be paid for my whole first year! How amazing would that be?

At age six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I had to become involved in it; I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. From July 2011 up until July 2021 I was involved in local community theatre. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man; I've performed as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. I've played supporting characters such as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I’ve danced recreationally from 2015-present. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. Now I dance for a smaller studio 3 days a week and I’m co-teaching, with my instructor, a ballet class, and a hip-hop class, with the hopes of bringing more boys into the art of dance. I performed in my school's One Act Play as a puppeteer where I won best performer twice, and honorable mention all-star cast at UIL state. At the Texas State UIL 2A competition, we won first place. I am a performer. Acting, dancing, and singing in musical theater is what I've been doing for ten years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where this is all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. There is no feeling in the world like putting on a costume to perform for an audience. As a performer, whether in musical theater or dance, I have a story to tell that someone needs to hear. Whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy, I feel like it’s my job to make my audience feel understood. I am going to college to get the training and tools to equip myself to share these stories. My ultimate goal, after gaining knowledge and experience, is to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make performing arts and dance more accessible to the youth in my rural community. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my rural community. As a boy and young man, it has always been important to me to share my joy and passion for theater and dance with the little boy in the audience that doesn’t want to play football, soccer, or basketball. What better way to share and spread that joy than through teaching it?

At age six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I had to become involved in it; I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. From July 2011 up until July 2021 I was involved in local community theatre. I've performed in more than 30 musicals in roles as ensemble characters in Aladdin, 101 Dalmatian, and Music Man; I've performed as a lead dancer in Matilda, Addams Family, and Newsies. I've played supporting characters such as Zazu (puppet) in The Lion King, Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, and Tamatoa in Moana. I’ve danced recreationally from 2015-present. I danced competitively from 2018-2021. Now I dance for a smaller studio 3 days a week and I’m co-teaching, with my instructor, a ballet class, and a hip-hop class, with the hopes of bringing more boys into the art of dance. I performed in my school's One Act Play as a puppeteer where I won best performer twice, and honorable mention all-star cast at UIL state. At the Texas State UIL 2A competition, we won first place. I am a performer. Acting, dancing, and singing in musical theater is what I've been doing for ten years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where this is all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. There is no feeling in the world like putting on a costume to perform for an audience. As a performer, whether in musical theater or dance, I have a story to tell that someone needs to hear. Whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy, I feel like it’s my job to make my audience feel understood. I am going to college to get the training and tools to equip myself to share these stories. My ultimate goal, after gaining knowledge and experience, is to open a dance and performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make performing arts and dance more accessible to the youth in my rural community. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my rural community. As a boy and young man, it has always been important to me to share my joy and passion for theater and dance with the little boy in the audience that doesn’t want to play football, soccer, or basketball. What better way to share and spread that joy than through teaching it?

Two years ago I left a theatre company that I had been a part of for nine years. I have grown up singing, dancing, and acting, but I simply grew out of that organization. A full schedule of theater rehearsal and dance rehearsal was one of the drawbacks. The overwhelming scheduling didn't leave much time for school activities or even church; so, upon leaving, my schedule opened. I now have time to attend church, which I had been craving for a long time, especially since the pandemic lockdown. I have gone to church and Sunday School for as long as I can remember. I've always enjoyed going to church, and have always sought to grow closer to God. I let a busy schedule get in the way of that until The Lord made His plan clear to me. I opted to seek out a new church since I felt like my previous church got so big and I felt lost in the huge youth department. This new-to-me church is very close to my home, so I can now attend more often and more easily. I fell in love with the church the moment I walked in that Sunday two years ago. My family was welcomed with open arms. A month or two later, the youth department hired a new youth pastor, and he asked who would be interested in playing in the worship band. I was hesitant, but the pastor's wife encouraged me, especially since she learned of my experience with being on the stage. I haven’t looked back since. I began singing in the youth worship band in August or September 2021, and since then I have sung over one hundred times on that stage. I even started singing on Sundays with the worship team. I’ve learned and played the box drum during youth night and Sunday service. I've participated in over a dozen fundraisers for church camp, become a student leader, and lead a few sermons for my youth group. During the summer I lead singing and dancing during Vacation Bible School. My connection to my church allows me to serve my community in ways I never would have thought in my freshmen year of high school. It has led me to want to spread God's Word all over the world. I want to combine spreading God's Word with performance art, especially since performance art appears to have drifted somewhat far from God. Singing and dancing are one of a Christian's tools of worship. In regards to performance art, dance is probably my favorite medium, and I think everyone should know how to, even just a little bit. I hope to bridge the gap between God and dance, make average churchgoers realize that their bodies can be used to praise God and make dancers realize who blessed them with the gift they have. Additionally, with a dancer's busy schedule, it can be hard to go to church sometimes, so bringing the church into dance would resolve that conflict. I love serving God, and I love serving my community; I also love the stage, so I plan to fuse those three things into one to impact my community and hopefully the world.

Even though I was only around them for two days, the instructors at a certain dance convention I attended a year ago made an impact that I will never forget. These classes were different from most in that they had less than fifty students, and they took place in a dance studio in my smaller hometown as opposed to a big convention center in one of the bigger Texas cities. However, this dance intensive has impacted me and improved me more than any other dance convention in ways that had little to do with dance. In the beginning, we were only making our introductions to the teachers and they asked us what we wanted to get out of this weekend, and what we wished to walk away with. My answer was confidence. By the end of the weekend, that’s exactly what ended up happening, I left with confidence. There were several pieces of advice I was given that weekend, and all of them still impact me today. For example, not exploring, never learning new things, and only sticking with what one is comfortable with is truly saddening. Those people are stuck and will unfortunately never get to experience the big beautiful world out there and all the opportunities provided. The dance coaches told us how we should never, ever stop learning and growing, or else those we teach, those who look up to us, and people who are looking up to us, will also stop learning and growing. Further, you cannot go into an audition or interview without being your authentic self. How will the boss or director know they want to work with you if they don't see the genuine you? One dance coach told us how most people in a room feel the same thing you are, so there’s no use worrying about what they think. My favorite piece of advice over the weekend was this: not moving at all will hurt you more than moving. Allow me to explain. The teachers asked us to freestyle across the floor, basically just dancing without any instruction on how to move. Most of us were okay at it, but some girls in particular we a little embarrassed and simply walked, and giggled, awkwardly across the floor. The instructors blew up. It was disrespectful as those students blatantly ignored the simple instruction to dance across the floor. The teachers made an example out of this scenario. Directors will ask us to improvise, and one second of hesitation, especially skipping the entire improvisation section, will cost that dancer an opportunity, or a job. For one instance, deer caught in headlights die because it didn’t move. Moving in any way, shape, or form, would be better than standing still, stuck in fear. I've applied this to several areas in my life. It is due to this piece of advice that, months later, I wore a giant cougar costume and tap danced in front of my entire school for a pep rally because I wasn’t afraid to try out for my high school's mascot the previous spring. I was terrified to try out, but I knew I would regret not trying out. Not moving is more harmful than moving. When opportunities arise, we cannot allow anxiety or self-doubt to stand in the way of something that might be amazing. Everyone gets fear, but those teachers taught me that giving in to that fear will cause more pain in the long run.

It was nearing twilight and the man had yet to find them. After retracing, inking, and coloring in his steps, the man had nearly lost all hope along with the objects he searched for. High and low, here and there, and near and far, but not too far for fear of falling from the earth, he searched. They were not high, low, near, or far but not too far. They were neither here nor there, yet they were still here and there. He decided to relax on his couch for surely if he couldn’t find his marbles, they would find him. Yes, what the man lost was his marbles. The break went on longer than intended and eventually ceased the next morning. The man was more than overjoyed at the sight of the sun shining through his curtains down at the coffee table which held up his marbles. At last, they’re returned! Immediately, the gentlemen took the jar of marbles, ran upstairs into his room, across to his bed, and grabbed a key from within the nightstand. The man made his way to his closet, unlocking it. The man placed his found marbles on the top shelf and took the screwdriver off. The man put the tool to his neck and began unscrewing the four flat heads from beneath the base of his head. He placed the four screws, the screwdriver, and his head on the top shelf with his marbles. His shoulder aches from wearing it for so long, and he regretted falling asleep with it. The man began undressing and preparing for a shower, for he had a date later. Now that he had found his marbles, he wouldn’t forget to leave the house without his head screwed on.

Drifting through time, Drifting through space. Home is gone, you have no place. Like a sailor lost at sea, Who were you then? Who will you be? Things were better then, Don't you think? Now your boat is gone, and you're starting to sink. Things weren't so bad. You were happier then. Wasn't there still more fun to be had? Silence. What thoughts cross your mind? Any water is better than a ship falling to pieces, And the volatility of the sailors increased. No mutineer can hurt you here. They're lost at sea, While you swim the ocean clear. Patience Joseph, patience dear rainbow. Your day will come, you're free of rain. The stormy waves will wash away the pain. Sailor lost at sea, rainbow lost in sky Find their place among fishes and clouds. Create your space, no need for "why"? No need for "why" when you're the answer. Your place is not here, but above. We are kings of the peafowl and lonesome dove. You have a place, you've just lost your way. So weather the weather. Look, the new sun! 'Tis now a new day.

As a boy growing up in a small rural community, in west Texas, there's an unspoken understanding you would play sports. I was told the best way to fit in and make new friends would be to join I sports. Being a boy and young man, in a small country school, that wanted nothing to do with football, basketball, or baseball left me open to some peer pressure. The thing is, around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children's books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. This is what I wanted to do! I needed to be on that stage! I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I talked to my parents about taking dance classes and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Being a boy dancer, who excelled at ballet and who loved all things musical theater, left me open to some ridicule, a little bit of bullying, and being left out of non-school related gatherings and activities. It hurt, the bullying in 8th grade almost made me quit everything, school, dance, theater. I was tired of being picked on. When my mom picked me up from school, I would get in the car crying. There was talk of homeschooling. I considered trying organized sports to fit in, I even considered giving up my passion. I had never quit anything! I prayed about it, my parents prayed with me about it. After several weeks of this, my mom had a conversation with my then-middle school counselor and the counselor talked with the boys, had a private discussion with me, and almost overnight the bullying stopped. I still wasn't invited to hang out, I wasn't invited to sleepovers or the movies. But I wasn't being picked on anymore, and that was enough for me. I had dance and musical theater. By the time high school came around, I knew, no matter what, no matter the teasing — even light-hearted teasing — no matter the stereotyping, I was going to dance and perform for the rest of my life. I was going to go to college and learn to be the best-performing artist I could be. I have been in musical theater since 2012 and in recreational dance 2015-present. I also was in a competition dance from 2019-2021. I stepped out of the local theater and competition dance in 2021 to be more active in school, one-act play, mascot, UIL, the National Honor Society, and to be more active in my church. Being more active in school and church opened me up socially. I learned I just needed to make the time. I had to learn to balance school, extracurricular activities at school, and dance outside of school. I did this through maturity, communication, and trusting God. Musical theater and dance have been a huge part of my life for more than 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. Making performing arts and dance more accessible to my rural community is very important to me. I do all of this in the hopes of one day coming back home to open a dance and performing arts studio, and becoming a leader in my church. Becoming a leader in my community.

Something about me, I enjoy serving others. I have no idea why I do, but I do. There are many benefits for a student like me to volunteer: community service hours, fundraising, getting out of the house, and meeting new people. There is usually some sort of underlying motivation for giving back to my community. However, whether I am being compensated in some way or not, I would rather be doing something than nothing, and I would rather that something be giving back. Two years ago began my first year at a new church, and was my first church home in a long time, simply because I was so busy in the past. In the fall, the new youth pastor began talking to us about church camp, and how it would take place at a resort. I was bound and determined to go to this church camp, especially because I had never been to one before. It was expensive, so the youth pastor told us that every month a different fundraiser would be held so that we could participate in some way that would help offset the cost of church camp. Garage sales, pie baking, ornament making, t-shirts, and I can’t even remember what else, I participated in most of these. The money raising wasn’t even the main reason I went though. I went because I wanted to. During this particular rough patch I was going through mentally, I knew that the best thing for me would be to get out of the house. Having volunteered at all of these fundraisers, I went to church camp for free. However, these fundraisers were so much fun to do, that I didn’t even notice the work, and I would have done it if it was for somebody else. Slothfulness is truly my main motivator for serving others. In fact, my goal in life is to be an entertainer, which I consider an act of service. Moreover, my recently acquired job at a local coffee shop has allowed me to be a servant for others in a new capacity. This is the only coffee shop in my hometown so it is very well-established. Waking up at the crack of dawn has proved quite challenging, however, establishing relationships with customers and meeting people I’ve never even seen before makes working there worthwhile. The act of work gets me out of my head, but working for the good of others makes it meaningful. Truly when I help others out, I help myself out by making friends, getting out of bad head spaces, and being an example to others of how I’m helpful, reliable, and trustworthy. A day spent feeding my neighbor's animals or baking pies for a church fundraiser is better than any day spent in my bed on my phone.

As a boy growing up in a small rural community, in west Texas, there’s an unspoken understanding you would play sports. I was a tall boy and tall teenager so it was also assumed I would play basketball. Being a boy and young man in a small country school that wanted nothing to do with football, basketball, or baseball left me open to some peer pressure. I was told the only way to fit in, to make friends, would be to join in sports. The thing is, around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. This is what I wanted to do! I needed to be on that stage! I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, and I’ve never looked back. Being a boy dancer, who excelled at ballet and who loved all things musical theater, left me open to some ridicule, a little bit of bullying, and being left out of non-school related gatherings and activities. It hurt, the bullying in 8th grade almost made me quit everything, school, dance, theater. I was tired of being picked on. When my mom picked me up from school, I would get in the car crying. There was talk of homeschooling. I considered trying organized sports to fit in, I even considered giving up my passion. I had never quit anything! I prayed about it, my parents prayed with me about it. After several weeks of this, my mom had a conversation with my then-middle school counselor and the counselor talked with the boys, had a private discussion with me, and almost overnight the bullying stopped. I still wasn’t invited to hang out, I wasn’t invited to sleepovers or the movies. But I wasn’t being picked on anymore, and that was enough for me. I had dance and musical theater. By the time high school came around, I knew, no matter what, no matter the teasing — even light-hearted teasing — no matter the stereotyping, I was going to dance and perform for the rest of my life. I was going to go to college and learn to be the best-performing artist I could be. After that, I decided I was going to come back and open up a dance and performing arts studio in my small, currently studio-less, hometown. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my small, rural, community. I have been in musical theater since 2012 and in recreational dance 2015-present. I also was in a competition dance from 2019-2021. I stepped out of the local theater and competition dance in 2021 to be more active in school, one-act play, mascot, UIL, National Honor Society, and to be more active in my church. Being more active in school and church opened me up socially. I learned I just needed to make the time. I had to learn to balance school, extracurricular activities at school, and dance outside of school. I did this through maturity, communication, and trusting God.

At age six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I had to become involved in it; I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. I had no real dance experience at that time, so I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes; ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, and I’ve never looked back. By the time high school came around, I knew, no matter what, no matter the teasing — even light-hearted teasing — no matter the stereotyping, I was going to dance and perform for the rest of my life. I was going to go to college and learn to be the best-performing artist I could be. To this day, I adore performing on the stage. This year, my senior year of high school I am dancing more than ever. I’m co-teaching, with my instructor, a ballet class and a hip-hop class, with the hopes of bringing more boys into the art of dance. I am also performing in my high school's One Act Play where I am a puppeteer. You don’t have to only sing, or dance on the stage, being a puppet in this play is telling a whole other story. As a performer, whether in musical theater or dance, I have a story to tell that someone needs to hear. Whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy, I feel like it’s my job to make my audience feel understood. I am going to college to get the training and tools to equip myself to share these stories. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is the first goal. Musical Theatre covers a good portion of what I plan to do which includes acting, singing, dancing, and choreography. My ultimate goal is to open a performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make performing arts and dance more accessible to the youth in my community. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my small, rural, community. As a boy and young man, it’s always been important to me to share my joy and passion for theater and dance with the little boy in the audience that doesn’t want to play football, soccer, or basketball. What better way to share and spread that joy than through teaching it?

I am a performer. A dancer, actor, and singer. This is what I’ve done for about 10 years. Keeping busy and involved in local community theatre and recreational and competition dance, with the hours of training and dedication, has led me to this place where it’s all I want to do. I don’t have a backup plan. There is no feeling in the world like putting on a costume to perform for an audience. As a performer, whether in musical theater or dance, I have a story to tell that someone needs to hear. Whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy, I feel like it’s my job to make my audience feel understood. I am going to college to get the training and tools to equip myself to share these stories. Around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. I had to become involved in it; I needed to be on that stage! Luckily my parents allowed me to. I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. I had no real dance experience at that time, so I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes; ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, and I’ve never looked back. To this day, I adore performing on the stage. This year, my senior year of high school I am dancing more than ever. I’m co-teaching, with my instructor, a ballet class and a hip-hop class, with the hopes of bringing more boys into the art of dance. I am also performing in my high school's One Act Play where I am a puppeteer. You don’t have to only sing, or dance on the stage, being a puppet in this play is telling a whole other story. There’s nothing else I’ve considered pursuing; dancing and performing are all I’ve ever wanted to do. The thrill I experience before, or even while, performing, feels amazing. Nothing can compare to that rush before going in front of hundreds of people, not knowing what will happen once the curtains rise. Additionally, the satisfaction of taking the final bow completing a successful performance, cannot be beaten. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is the first goal. Musical Theatre covers a good portion of what I plan to do which includes acting, singing, dancing, and choreography. My ultimate goal is to open a performing arts studio in my hometown. I want to make performing arts and dance more accessible to the youth in my community. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my small, rural, community. As a boy and young man, it’s always been important to me to share my joy and passion for theater and dance with the little boy in the audience that doesn’t want to play football, soccer, or basketball. What better way to share and spread that joy than through teaching it?

Around the age of six, my mom took me to see a musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors, and the fun dancing captivated me. I had to become involved in it; luckily, my parents allowed me to. I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes and I’ve never looked back. To this day, I adore performing on the stage. There’s nothing else I’ve considered pursuing, dancing and performing are all I’ve ever wanted to do. The thrill I experience before, or even while, performing, feels amazing. Nothing can compare to that rush before going in front of dozens of people, not knowing what will happen once the curtains rise. Additionally, the satisfaction of taking the final bow completing a successful performance, cannot be beaten. Right now I’m not in any musical theatre shows as I’m in Student Council, NHS, I’m dancing 3-4 days a week 2-3 hours a night. I’m also very involved in my church praise band and church youth group. Stepping down temporarily from the community musical theater stage opened a door for me at school in One Act Play. This year in our One Act production I am playing a puppy and dog as a puppet. I've done puppeteer work twice before and I love it. Musical theater and dance have been so much a part of my life for 10 years. There's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. I don't have a plan B. That's why I am so excited to have been accepted to West Texas A&M, and West Texas A&M Musical Theater Program. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go to college. I knew the only way to become a better performer and dancer would be to go to college. I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them for a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers, voice, and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre is my first goal in pursuing my dream. The most important piece of music to me right now would be my college audition song. I love the music from the musical Big Fish. And my favorite song from Big Fish is "Be The Hero". It took me weeks to decide on what song I wanted to audition with. This song helped get me into my first-pick college. It will forever remain my favorite.

As a boy growing up in a small rural community, in west Texas, there’s an unspoken understanding you would play sports. I was a tall boy and tall teenager so it was also assumed I would play basketball. Being a boy and young man in a small country school that wanted nothing to do with football, basketball, or baseball left me open to some peer pressure. I was told the only way to fit in, to make friends, would be to join in sports. The thing is, around the age of six, my mom took me to see a local community musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors and costumes, and the fun dancing captivated me. This is what I wanted to do! I needed to be on that stage! I began auditioning and performing in several musicals a year starting around the age of seven. At age 11, I was an ensemble character in a local production of Mary Poppins. At that time I had no real dance experience, so I couldn’t perform in the big “Step in Time” number. I talked to my parents and the following week I was enrolled in all the dance classes, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, and I’ve never looked back. Being a boy dancer, who excelled at ballet and who loved all things musical theater, left me open to some ridicule, a little bit of bullying, and being left out of non-school related gatherings and activities. It hurt, the bullying in 8th grade almost made me quit everything, school, dance, theater. I was tired of being picked on. When my mom picked me up from school, I would get in the car crying. There was talk of homeschooling. I considered trying organized sports to fit in, I even considered giving up my passion. I had never quit anything! I prayed about it, my parents prayed with me about it. After several weeks of this, my mom had a conversation with my then-middle school counselor and the counselor had a talk with the boys, a private discussion with me, and almost overnight the bullying stopped. I still wasn’t invited to hang out, I wasn’t invited to sleepovers or the movies. But I wasn’t being picked on anymore, and that was enough for me. I had dance and musical theater. By the time high school came around, I knew, no matter what, no matter the teasing — even light-hearted teasing — no matter the stereotyping, I was going to dance and perform for the rest of my life. I was going to go to college and learn to be the best-performing artist I could be. After that, I decided I was going to come back and open up a dance and performing arts studio in my small, currently studio-less, hometown. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my small, rural, community. I have been in musical theater since 2012 and in recreational dance 2015-present. I also was in a competition dance from 2019-2021. I stepped out of the local theater and competition dance in 2021 to be more active in school, one-act play, mascot, UIL, National Honor Society, and to be more active in my church. Being more active in school and church opened me up socially. I learned I just needed to make the time. I had to learn to balance school, extracurricular activities at school, and dance outside of school. I did this through maturity, communication, and trusting God.

Around the age of six, my mom took me to see a musical: Seussical the Musical, based on the children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Watching the performance, the upbeat music, the bright colors, and the fun dancing captivated me. I had to become involved in it; luckily, my parents allowed me to. I’ve been looking forward to pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre in college since Middle School. As a student, I am eager to learn and retain information well, remembering things after only going over them a short while. I’ve been told, by teachers and dance coaches, I take direction and corrections well. My career goals for the future are hard to narrow down to just one thing. After scrolling through TikTok one day and coming across the phrase “Multi-potentialite” I realized that those words described me perfectly. A multi-potentialite is simply someone who has almost too many things he or she wants to pursue, if there was such a thing as too many to pursue. However, musical theatre covers a good portion of what I plan to do which include acting, singing, and dancing. I hope to do at least one, if not all three of these activities all over the country, and even the world. Eventually, I hope to open a dance studio in my small, currently studio-less, hometown. This studio will grow to be an influential performing arts hub in my small, rural, community. To achieve these goals I’ll do what I’ve always done, work hard, study hard and practice hard. I will stay focused and I will pay attention to my teachers, professors, and employers.