(a lot) MORE ABOUT ME
EARLY DAYS
I got my start in life in Northwest Indiana, with my amazing parents, and six years in, my beautiful baby sister. I have been performing as long as I can remember: church choir, folklore dancing, theatre camps, jazz classes, and anything else my folks could get their hands on for their animated (and dramatic) little girl to create. I have vivid memories of playing rockstar dress up with my grandparents, who were dutiful and energetic audience members, and convincing my friends to put on skits with me.
All of this led to great success in my later teen years; four time Speech and Debate State Championships, amazing performances with the Munster High School Chorale (Disney Land, Carnegie Hall), and exposure on the stage in various roles. By the time my senior year rolled around, choosing a degree felt daunting. I knew I couldn't abandon my love of performance, but how does one balance creation with realism?
TIME AT PURDUE
I entered my senior year at Purdue University with a Major in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences; my goal was to become a Speech Pathologist. It felt like the perfect solution at the time--my passion involved communicating, so if I could help someone else do so a little better, surely I would feel fulfilled. And let's face it, it was going to set me up much more comfortably financially.
But my first semester freshman year, I auditioned for the main stage theatre show, and to my greatest delight, I was cast. Me, a freshman, the only underclassman... and the entire MFA cohort. Woah. I owe a great deal to that group of actors, our wonderful director, and my endlessly supportive family. In a time where life was becoming more serious than ever, they reminded me one important truth: nothing will ever make me as happy as pursing my greatest passion.
I went on to double major, finishing both my Speech and Acting degree in four years. I had a fantastic run of productions on that stage, and simultaneously, some of the best STEM teachings in the country.
outside of the arts
I am huge lover of television and film, and I try to keep up with all the latest popular productions! I have recently gotten way more into reading (thanks to my mother for gifting me a Kindle and the Chicago Public Library for connecting to it). I dabble in a bit of creative writing, love a good adult coloring book, and have recently bit the bullet and subscribed to the NYT Games so I can have full daily access. I get my physical activity in through my newfound love of Yoga, weightlifting, as well as dance classes. And you will always catch me on a a good patio with an Aperol Spritz in hand.