Who Am I?
Defining oneself is somewhat of a difficult task. Everyone has their own unique qualities, but the lines are blurred to create individuals with a variety of complexities. I tend to think of myself as a bit of a contradiction. For instance, I am both logical and creative, and while I may appear to be quiet on the outside, those closest to me know that in the right conditions, I am very outgoing. In school, I have always been fascinated by the sciences. I am the kind of person who enjoys nature and is interested in learning about its mechanics in order to help society in some way. However, my heart also lies in the arts. Walking through an art gallery or attending an opera are activities that I also enjoy and appreciate. The art of dance is something that has had a particularly profound impact on my life. Dance is my one true passion, and I would not be the person I am today without it. Another part of me that I believe to be important is my positive, easy-going attitude. Everyday life presents me with different obstacles to overcome, and choosing to ‘go with the flow’ is my way of staying sane through it all. In my opinion, it is better to take things lightly and move on than fret over minor inconveniences.
Educational Experience
Walking through the doors of Laingsburg High School as a freshman, I always felt inferior and self-conscious. Was my outfit okay? Do people think I talk strangely? Who am I going to sit by at lunch?! I was another stereotypical case. But the irony of this feeling is that it will never truly go away. Back then I reassured myself that I would just have to get through one year of being the newbie, and then I would never have to worry about feeling like an idiot again. Well, it’s senior year and lo and behold...I will soon again be that uncertain newbie. However, by learning from my high school experiences, I will be better prepared to tackle college, and after that, a new job, or moving to a new city, anything that marks a significant change in experience. One thing that school life has taught me is to be confident in myself. I no longer care about what people think of my outfits; I dress the way I want to dress. I also strive to make decisions without worrying about failure and aim to conduct myself as genuinely as possible. Another important thing I have learned from my educational experience is the value of becoming independent. As I have matured, I have acquired more and more responsibilities, which has made it necessary for me to be accountable for myself. Instead of running to mommy for help, I have had to figure things out for myself. Being aware of the necessity of independence is essential, though, because being an adult means being self-sufficient. Having the support of family and friends is certainly beneficial, but I know there are going to be times in my life when I will be on my own, and the only person to advocate for me is me.
Dance
Throughout my life, dance has always been a constant. Some of my fondest memories were choreographing little routines with my neighbor/best friend during the summer and dressing up in makeshift costumes to put on a show for our parents. I have come a long way since then, but my love for dance has only grown. Over the years, I have discovered that I can most easily express myself through dance. To me, there is something very satisfying about being able to embody different characters, personalities, and emotions. By exploring these types of expression, I have been able to transcend my comfort zone and learn more about myself in the process. Dance has also taught me a lot about determination and perseverance. The dance training that is necessary to perfect one’s technique and artistry is singular in nature; each individual takes it upon herself to improve. Therefore, in order for me to advance in my training, I have had to set goals for myself and work my very hardest to ensure that every class is maximized. My teachers may give me corrections, but I have to make the conscious decision to focus my attention on those corrections to become better. This has consequently pushed me to attain a mindset that favors tenacity in my endeavors and resists the urge to simply float along.
Michigan Youth Arts Festival
One particular event that I had the privilege of attending twice during my high school career was the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. I was a freshman the first time my dance group got accepted into the festival, and after the long weekend was over I felt profoundly changed. The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is a culmination of the arts that welcomes students with a variety of different talents. There are singers, writers, saxophonists, and painters, upon other artistic interests. While there, the creativity and vitality of the community was undeniable. I felt a camaraderie with the people I was surrounded by that I had never experienced before. What amazed me most was the sense of fraternity that was evident among the community. Even though different interests were represented, we all came together to create one big artistic family that accepted one another. After my experience at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, I knew I wanted to integrate myself into the arts community in the future because I discovered that it was somewhere I could call home.
Two Dance companies
Beginning freshman year, I became a member of Children’s Ballet Theatre (CBT), a company I have learned a lot from during my four years of involvement. CBT is like a big dance family, however there is a hierarchy. I started out in the middle of the three levels and rose through the ranks over the years. Along the way, I learned how to deal with disappointment as well as accomplishment. There were certainly times during casting when I thought I deserved more than what I was given, but I couldn’t dwell on the negatives. I simply accepted my fate, worked hard to get the most out of my role, and hoped that next show the director would give me my chance. Once I did get chosen for soloist and principal roles though, I acquired a new status within the company. I was someone the younger dancers looked up to, so I had to set a good example. This helped improve my leadership skills, and it pushed me to develop a more refined character.
At the start of my junior year, I decided to become a member of a contemporary company in the area called Happendance 2 (H2). This further complicated my schedule, as I was now committed to rehearsing and performing for two separate companies. During the last two years of high school, I learned an immense amount about time management. Juggling school work in addition to two dance companies was no small feat. I had to make a lot of compromises and prioritize my activities, but I made it through without going completely crazy. In the past year though, I ran into some troubles in this area because the director of CBT became less and less fond of my involvement in another company. In a meeting with me he indirectly discussed his opposition to my two absences on account of the other company while also making absurd statements about me as a member of the company. I was utterly shocked by my director’s accusations because I had always had the utmost respect for him and had taken my membership in the company very seriously. My eyes were opened after the meeting because I was able to see my director for the frustratingly complicated man he was, which compelled me to write the poem, A Piano Tune in Black and White. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in my life because it signifies my realization that I can never please everyone. I have always tried to be perfect in everyone’s eyes; the kind of person who no one is discontent with, but upon experiencing the politics between CBT and H2, I was able to reassure myself that no one can ever hold that standard and that I should not fret over my decisions and what they might mean to others.
At the start of my junior year, I decided to become a member of a contemporary company in the area called Happendance 2 (H2). This further complicated my schedule, as I was now committed to rehearsing and performing for two separate companies. During the last two years of high school, I learned an immense amount about time management. Juggling school work in addition to two dance companies was no small feat. I had to make a lot of compromises and prioritize my activities, but I made it through without going completely crazy. In the past year though, I ran into some troubles in this area because the director of CBT became less and less fond of my involvement in another company. In a meeting with me he indirectly discussed his opposition to my two absences on account of the other company while also making absurd statements about me as a member of the company. I was utterly shocked by my director’s accusations because I had always had the utmost respect for him and had taken my membership in the company very seriously. My eyes were opened after the meeting because I was able to see my director for the frustratingly complicated man he was, which compelled me to write the poem, A Piano Tune in Black and White. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in my life because it signifies my realization that I can never please everyone. I have always tried to be perfect in everyone’s eyes; the kind of person who no one is discontent with, but upon experiencing the politics between CBT and H2, I was able to reassure myself that no one can ever hold that standard and that I should not fret over my decisions and what they might mean to others.
A Piano Tune in Black and White | |
File Size: | 71 kb |
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Travel
World travel is something that I have always valued and yearned for. I believe it is essential in developing a worldly, well-rounded character because it allows people to learn about other cultures and ways of living that are different from their own. I was introduced to world travel in the seventh grade when my family and I took a month-long trip to Australia and the Cook Islands. During the adventure, I was able to experience a variety of lifestyles that drastically contrasted my own. In the Cook Islands, I was immersed in a simpler culture that primarily lived off the land. Since the islands were so far away from commercial areas, it was very difficult and expensive for them to obtain goods. Therefore, the islanders could not afford to be as wasteful and consumptive as Americans. I recall watching a group of barefoot school children playing soccer on a patchy field with rusted, bent-up goals. A local told us that the island wasn’t able to import enough soccer supplies for the children, so they had to use whatever was available, which usually meant making huge compromises and sacrifices to do what they loved. Seeing this kind of lifestyle opened my eyes up to America’s tendency to take advantage of resources. We have access to just about everything, and most of the time it is easy to forget that a lot of people in the world don’t have that privilege. This concept was solidified even more when we went to Australia to visit my grandpa. Upon arriving at his house in Queensland, we learned all about the ‘Australian’ way of living. Frugalness is essential in outback culture, and my grandpa was just about as frugal as it got. Since Australia goes through long periods of drought, my grandpa had a water system that was centered around the use of rainwater. He also had toilets that didn’t require the use of water, and fruit trees covered the land of his complex, which he built himself. Similar to the inhabitants of the Cook Islands, the people in Australia do not have easy access to goods. They make the most of what they have because wastefulness is detrimental.
My trip to Germany junior year was also an enlightening experience. What amazed me most was the rich history behind the country and the continent of Europe in general. America is an infant compared to the areas around the world that have been through success and turmoil countless numbers of times over thousands of years. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and learning about the architectural and historical monuments that speckled Germany because I was able to gain a better perspective of the world and its complex past. Immersing myself in German culture was also beneficial in that it allowed me to experience a people unlike my own. The customs and cuisines I was introduced to during my trip enhanced my mind in ways that simple classroom learning could never accomplish.
My trip to Germany junior year was also an enlightening experience. What amazed me most was the rich history behind the country and the continent of Europe in general. America is an infant compared to the areas around the world that have been through success and turmoil countless numbers of times over thousands of years. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and learning about the architectural and historical monuments that speckled Germany because I was able to gain a better perspective of the world and its complex past. Immersing myself in German culture was also beneficial in that it allowed me to experience a people unlike my own. The customs and cuisines I was introduced to during my trip enhanced my mind in ways that simple classroom learning could never accomplish.
Pride
Everyone has their own unique accomplishments and qualities to be proud of. My pride spans academic and extracurricular activities as well as personality traits. One of the things I have taken pride in throughout my high school career is my work ethic. No matter what the assignment is, I always aim to put forth my best work. I am very thankful for this particular trait because I know it will do me well in the future. By accomplishing tasks to the best of my abilities on the first attempt, I am guaranteed a greater chance of success and less stress fixing my mistakes. I also take pride in my dance achievements. Over the years, I have received praise from many parents and acquaintances for my execution of the principal roles I have been given at CBT. I have always put a lot of thought and effort into my roles, so it brings me joy to hear that I made people feel something with my performances. Another aspect of myself that I take pride in is my humble demeanor. Arrogance can get people into trouble when they are faced with reality, so I am thankful that I possess an attitude in which I can be happy about my accomplishments without feeling the need to flaunt them.
My Advice
Have acceptance
There are a variety of different individuals that walk this earth, and there are a variety of different beliefs to go along with them. Other people’s values may be different from your own, but I believe we should all accept everyone’s unique mindsets so that a ubiquitous understanding can exist and create a more peaceful world.
Go outside your comfort zone
Sometimes we as humans have the tendency to stick to what we know. It can be hard to break out of the bubble of familiarity that surrounds us because the unknown is always a bit frightening. However, once you do take the leap of faith, the benefits are unimaginable. You will meet new people, learn new things, and gain a more meaningful life in the process.
Practice honest kindness
The saying, ‘treat others how you want to be treated’ relates to this piece of advice. Maintaining an honestly kind demeanor will allow you to establish healthy relationships with your peers, and it will contribute to your overall well-being by giving you a sense of pureness and virtuosity.
Be confident
Confidence will get you far in the world. By having the ability to make decisions and stand up for yourself without fear of failure or judgement, your odds of success will skyrocket.
Maintain a positive attitude
In the game of life, chance plays a major role. Sometimes you can do everything you can to set yourself up for success, and it doesn’t turn out. I believe the universe has a way of providing people with exactly what they need, though, and the journey is always more important than the destination. Therefore, if you maintain a positive attitude through thick and thin, you will not only be happier in life, but will also lay the foundation for good karma to come your way.
Artwork exhibition Portfolio
These are some pieces I created for an online drawing class I took this semester.