FFA Personal Statement

The transition from being a child, dependent upon parents for everything, to an independent adult is one of the most stressful times a person will endure. Legally speaking, 18 is the age when you become an adult but the number doesn’t describe the responsibilities and independence you must take on. College is seen as the “big step” into the real world and many people struggle in choosing where to make their transition. I would like to take my “big step” by attending Florida Atlantic University.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Ever since I was little I have loved theatre. I guess it started because my grandma has been taking me to see shows since i was little. I remember her taking me to see The Nutcracker for the first time when I was five years old. She has taken me to see so many more amazing shows.

My choice to attend FIU was one of the easier ones I’ve made so far in my academic career. I was drawn to the university as I felt a sense of community here that has only been further enhanced as a legacy, with both my mother and stepfather having completed their Bachelor degrees at this institution. The relationships and connections my parents were able to build here were a testament to FIU’s ability to bring together people from so many different backgrounds and create a family. I experienced an even greater connection as my stepfather found a lifelong friendship and mentor in an FIU staff member and honored him by making him the godfather of one of my younger brothers. Thus, FIU has been a special part of my life even before college was

I was very lucky to have grown up into a family of artists and theater folk. My parents met in a show (like my wife and I) and continued to perform in community theatre shows when my brother and I were young. The lifestyle called to me and I was able to do my first show when I was 5 along with my parents.

At my first near public performance, I was around four or five. We, as a class, had practiced and practiced till we got our concert just right. I was ecstatic, until the time actually came for us what practiced. My mom picked me up and my nana was going to meet us there. When we got to my school, my classmates were all talking to their parents. I clung to my mom as if my life depended on it and refused to go up on stage. No matter what

The first play was Beauty and The Beast. I auditioned and was cast as Chip the teacup. After the months of training and long nights, it was time for the show. I can still remember the adrenaline that pumped through my little body as I waited in the wings of the stage. The feeling, the rush, the challenge, was the exact reason I wanted to be on stage. I had been practicing and I was ready to turn my nervousness into fuel.

Since I was about four years old, I have been singing in church. I joined the adult choir when I was about twelve years old. I am in the high school choir as well, and I am the first chair clarinetist in the symphonic band. I am also learning the piano. I enjoy making music and seeing how it impacts people and moves them. Music itself has power to change people and their perspectives. It takes great concentration and knowledge to sing and play instruments. I could not have learned to sing or play these instruments without God giving me the ability, or without great teachers. Almost everyone in my family can sing and play at least one instrument. Music is a big part of who we are.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Performing is the one thing I never tire of, and seeing others perform is like settling into a second home. I always look forward to diving headfirst into a new play or learning a new song and, quite often, it is the one thing that will get me out of bed in the morning after a long week.

I adored being on stage–I craved attention like kids and cake. It was at that camp where I fell in love with theater. I not only enjoyed performing, but also enhancing my craft by learning technique. I spent the next few years learning about musical theater through improv, vocal, and dancing classes.

Playing music has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in the Bellevue School District I was fortunate enough to have exposure to excellent music programs. I began playing clarinet in fifth grade, and in middle school I transitioned to saxophone. Having that hour every day to decompress and focus on music in school was something I always valued. Later, in high school, I took basic and advanced guitar classes. It was about that time that I truly became a passionate musician. Although I do not play saxophone very much these days, I play more than enough guitar to make up for it. Guitar has been a great way to reduce my stress and energize myself over the years, and I am not the only one. Learning an instrument has been linked with

Music has always been a big part of my life. I remember the radio or record player always playing music at home growing up. I sang in the choir at church and school. I also played the trumpet all through middle school, I was even first chair in eighth grade. Once I was in high school, attending concerts became a regular outing for me and my friends. I have continued to keep music in my life to this day.

As a young boy, I have always had an interest in Music. When my family would go on trips and vacations out of state I would listen to music on the car radio and try to memorize all the lyrics, rhythms, tempos, and distinct sounds of the instruments. The first music experience was at the elementary M.E Pearson. When you got to the Fourth grade, the school allowed students to participate in orchestra and gave them the opportunity to learn how to play certain instruments. As I walked into that small trailer and heard the sounds, saw the articulation and how everyone moved as one. I was flabbergasted and knew instantly this is want I wanted to do.

I have been involved in performing arts ever since I was in elementary school, and till this day I still find ways to stay involve in music and performing. It was not until I entered high school when I was exposed to health sciences and found the work and course material interesting. At this point in my life, I do mind being able to do both for a living, but if I had to choose, I would want to pursue a career in the health field and do performing arts as a hobby.