I grew up in a family where it was normal not to talk every day; our love was shown through actions rather than verbal reassurance. For a long time, I thought that was just how families operated. That there was no need to sit down and verbally reconcile differences because that was family, and you will always need family. When I was first introduced to musical theatre what struck me was how people could get on stage and communicate not only with their fellow actors but with the audience. How a story from our everyday lives could play right before our eyes and every character would express their emotions to be heard. They poured out every cry, every laugh, and every scream for the audience to experience with them. That’s how musical theatre captured my heart; it made me realize that my emotions were worth expressing and that I didn’t want to continue the cycle of holding them back. It gave me permission to live out loud and break the cycle of emotional suppression I had grown up with. As a BFA Musical Theatre major at Howard University, I am driven to inspire the next generation to embrace the same freedom that I found in theatre. My goal is to create a nonprofit organization that empowers young people of color to view the performing arts as a viable career path. I want them to understand that pursuing their passions is not only valid but essential; passion fuels the heart and mind, reminding us why life is worth living. With hard work and clear goals, their dreams can too become a reality. By solidifying my academic foundation, I hope to create representation that inspires others to say, “I want to do that too,” knowing that everything they need is within reach. A sustainable career begins with a strong foundation, and I believe that the knowledge I acquire now is meant to be shared. My education is not just for me; it is an opportunity to hone my craft so that I can invest into future generations. I want to ensure that every lesson learned, every connection made, and every experience gained is available to the young person who needs it. My vision to foster a community that respects their voices and sees their potential is why I am committed to seeing my collegiate career through to the end. I am confident that each step I take will contribute to a legacy that inspires young people of color to pursue their passions boldly and redefine what is possible in the arts.