A Whole New World

Hi everyone! I'm back. The past few months have been so hectic and packed with family, school, rehearsals and practices that I did not have much time to focus on really personal and important things like my blog and site. I am really excited for the next year, because I have some really big plans that I can't wait to bring into fruition. My first goal is to try and be more consistent with my post so every Saturday night I will try to write and share with y'all. So here goes...

My first semester at Long Beach City College was interesting to say the least. From my General Ed. classes to long dance rehearsals, I took on new challenges throughout my first four months of school. Although, I was constantly tired and my body way sore, I did learn a lot and got even more inspired to pursue my goals for the future. My favorite experience from my time spent at LBCC during Fall 2019, came from the rewarding opportunity that I infringed upon during my first week of classes. On August 29, 2019 I decided to audition for the Fall Dance Concert and I was chosen to perform in two pieces. Both pieces that I performed were fun and jazzy. I especially enjoyed doing the "Motown" piece choreographed by Erin Landry. I loved being able to become a whole new person and express myself through the musical theater aspects of the piece.

But don't get me wrong, I know that I am making the show sound extremely fun, but like all dancing and performing that I have done in the past, it was a tremendous amount of work. I knew that it was going to be a tough time, but I did not know that my body would feel the way it did and all of the cast agreed. To me, that is one of the best things about the LBCC Dance Company. The people. They not only made me feel welcomed, but they really cared about me, my choices, and my performing goals for the future. I really understood why some of the students continued to come back and why I want to audition next week (February 11, 2020) for the Spring Concert. The cast even convinced me to go to a party after our final show. It's safe to say that I am definitely not a party girl, but I had fun being the designated driver and spending more time with the other cast members that I was unable to share the stage with full time.

Despite all of the dancing, I also enjoyed the rest of my classes. If I had to choose a favorite class from last semester, it would be hard to decide, because they all have different qualities. My math class was challenging because I am not very good at trigonometry, but the people in the class made it a lot easier to learn the material and for me to understand it. My dance history class was especially fun and interesting. Not only was I able to learn more about different dance styles like, Bharatanatyam (an Indian classical dance), but I was also able to look deeper into the history of my favorite dance styles that have always inspired me, ballet and contemporary. My other two classes, Reading and Composition and Public Speaking, were exciting and really helped to get me out of my comfort zone. Not only was I able to make numerous speeches in front of my peers, but I was also able to identify the ways that I understand reading articles and the classic book Cannery Row. I have always enjoyed the subject of English and how much inner thought goes into the words of authors, poets and journalist. As I was taking my Public Speaking course, I also noticed how each speaker put a lot of work into each of their words. Personally, when I was giving each of my speeches I felt that I was getting very personal about each of my topics. My favorite speech from the semester was about my Chinese Laundry Tippy Tops, how I got started in pageants, how they have helped me grow, and what the shoes mean to me.

When I look back at my first semester in college, I really appreciated the experience. It was humbling and so rewarding. I can not wait for next semester and to transfer in Fall 2021. Looking ahead I can only make bigger strides in the future that lead me to where I really want to go. A simple reminder for all my fellow college students who have lost faith and don't want to continue:

Hard work will never disappoint you! You're strong, smart, you got this! Don't lose hope or faith in yourself. And last but not least, if you ever get rejected, decide to be redirected and take a chance to try something new in order to find something better.