“When I grow up, how cool would it be to get to be – someone – do something – that would let me become anyone and do everything imaginable?” The moment I knew what I wanted to do with my life, I was a Star Wars-crazed, sixth grade kid with braces, sitting in front of our family’s TV, in PJ’s. The credits were rolling after an incredible movie we had just finished watching. At the time, though, l had no idea that my “epiphany” that night would become such a pivotal moment in my life.
With insightful support from my parents, I was enrolling in my first acting class a week later. I had discovered an energizing afterschool activity that slowly became a full-blown passion. Pretty soon, that passion led me to being accepted into the Drama Department of Greensboro’s performing and visual arts magnet program, Weaver Academy, for high school before ultimately deciding to continue my study of acting in college at UNC-Chapel Hill. I’ve loved my Liberal Arts education and its ability to let me remain relentlessly dedicated to my goals that surround being a professional actor, with educational opportunities both inside and outside of my Department of Dramatic Art home.
UNC Business Essentials has become a major part of that “second half” of my education – my preparation for entering the business world of entertainment after graduation. I believe that it’s important for each actor to recognize that he/she is indeed an entrepreneur – the head of their own sole proprietorship small business. And I’ve already started to notice the progress in my career that has been the result of my use of specific ideologies and business practices covered in the UBE program! Plus…let’s be real. After I move to NYC this fall and begin to pursue my career full time, I will also be seeking additional part-time employment and can already see where my knowledge and experience from the UBE program will benefit me in my pursuit and execution of those income-generating opportunities.