They say you can’t go out looking for love, it will find you when the time is right. Acting was something I’ve always dreamed about doing but never considered pursuing. I felt it was something that would come to me. I was at my lowest, thinking of dropping out of college, working any job to support my family, and considering sending my mom a text “I’m coming home and done with everything.” I stumbled over a video on the YouTube “recommended for you” page. It was my favorite Actor and the title stated, “Denzel Washington’s Life Advice Will Leave You Speechless!” that video shifted the course of my life. Right next to it was a video labeled “How to act realistically” I watched the video and told myself I can do this. It amazed me how quickly the feelings changed, I felt I found a piece of me that was missing. After breaking down crying, the text went from goodbye and getting rid of everything to I’m ready to take a new path in life. I emailed my advisor adding theatre to my minor and taking my first acting class and it was the best choice I’ve ever made.

Many people find a passion when they’re young and their parents help push them to reach their dreams and goals. This wasn’t the case for me, my mother worked hard raising three children on her own which never gave her the chance to put me into sports or arts. I knew I was already at a disadvantage jumping into the industry with people who had a passion and years of experience over me. This led me to think I just must work three times as hard as the person in front of me to make it happen. Luckily, I had great people around me to support and push me to work harder, which only furthered my love for the craft. I had people who saw something in me when I didn’t even think I had it. This was something I couldn’t have achieved alone.

I performed in my first production with my first ever real script that I had to memorize; this was a scary moment for me since memorization was my biggest weakness. The play was, A Midsummer Night's Dream, not an easy script for a beginner but obstacles are made to overcome. Building comradery with my fellow actors and crew, the feeling of performing and people enjoying your work was undesirable, which I felt couldn’t be reciprocated in words. This is one small step in my journey, I aspire to be a great actor and an even better role model for people around the world. I knew Acting wasn’t going to be easy at all but nothing in my life ever was, so I accepted the challenge. I found something I love, and I thank God for it every day.