Question #1 

Prompt: Describe an activity, interest, experience, or achievement in your life (this could be a book, movie, or an activity or experience at work, home, or school) that has been particularly meaningful to you. 

       "If you know what you want, then you go and you find it and you get it." This quote from the Broadway musical, "Into The Woods," has shaped my life, starting from the first moment I stepped foot center stage as a young preschooler. From that moment, musical theatre had begun to underline my entire being, and constantly prove to be the one, consistent aspect I could depend on. However, a talent in performing, once the only skill I wished to obtain from pursuing musical theatre, soon became merely a secondary ability to the lifelong lessons theater would teach me.
       Although music surrounded me since before I could even speak, musical theatre wove itself into my life in the summer of 2005, when I was lucky enough to be granted the opportunity to attend French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. French Woods lifted me from my small pond of elementary school class plays and dumped me into a terrifying ocean of highly trained actors, dedicated professionals, and most of all, rejections. I was struck with shock and disbelief when I first caught glimpse of my name listed under the ensemble of a cast list. Never before have I needed to work towards my success. My blatant surprise quickly blurred to a confused fury, but was immediately replaced with an enduring determination. A determination to enhance my talents until I was the best that I could be. A determination to prove to everyone that I was destined for success. This indefatigable determination instilled in me at the innocent age of twelve still drives me today; however, this persistence not only fuels my performance as an actor or singer, but my performance as an athlete, a student, and a friend.
       Musical theatre also exposed an infallible confidence in which I never expected to see emerge from myself. As a painfully awkward and introverted young teenager, self confidence was especially difficult for me to develop. I constantly faced insults and discouragement from my lonely middle school hallways and from my own mind, which eventually caused me to leave the school I was attending. During this terrifying time in which I felt completely abandoned, I turned to my passion to guide me through this antagonistic time. Finding my voice again and continuously performing was the solitary reason I started to believe in myself once again. Hearing applause at the end of a performance in which I worked hours to perfect, or after portraying a character I analyzed and developed to the best of my abilities brought an indescribable wave of confidence and self esteem; a feeling of which I am unable to properly put into words. This confidence helped me believe that I could achieve anything I put my mind to, and still directs me through trivial times today.
       Although to some, musical theatre may seem like a simple hobby that involves the ability to sing high notes or to cry on command, theatre means much more than that to me. Theatre has been my outlet for as long as I remember, and I know it will continue to guide me for the rest of my life. Because of the valuable and cherished lessons this undying passion has taught me, I am a better person. I am a determined person. I am driven. I am successful. I am strong. I am confident. I am a performer, and I am thankful.