Student Blog: Cheers! Its Winter Break!

Winter Break... what isn't there to love? For starters, it's the month of December which is filled with many exciting events that I look forward to throughout the year. The first one is my birthday which starts at the top of the month and then leads into the best and longest break my university offers us. Once school is "out of session" I get to take a train ride back home to North Jersey and see my loved ones. Then the month proceeds to my favorite holiday of the year, Christmas. I tend to thrive at this time of year as well since I can catch up on more sleep as well and take deep care of myself. However, I also see the break as an opportunity to stay "in shape" in all aspects of my craft.

For instance, when I am home I also take a break from working my part-time job. This means I have a lot more time on my hands to do the things that matter most to me. These include activities such as scheduling time to sing and expanding my vocal range. Go to New York City and take dance classes to better understand and keep my training intact, and learn new healthy meals to cook that I can adapt to my lifestyle. Although I take full advantage of the fact that I have a lot of time on my hands, I also take advantage to do what I can to set myself up for success in my last semester at The University of The Arts. One way I do that is by purchasing a planner and planning out what my schedule is going to be like. I also take into account the fact that I am cast in a show therefore I make sure that during my break I set time aside and learn my character and part the best way I can. This helps me and keeps me on my game so that when we are back in full action I can alleviate myself from any sort of stress and allow my instrument to just flow and have fun during rehearsals.

Since I live very close to New York City, I try to rush shows during my break to keep my creative mind and inner artist excited. I feel part of the work as an actor is to expose yourself to the art that is happening around you. Therefore I like to plan days that I am in New York City and rush shows that I tend to gravitate to. I also like to expose myself to art that I do not find myself gravitate to as well because I feel that I can learn a lot about myself as well. I often think, "How are we able to know if we like something if we haven't allowed ourselves to fully experience it?". Therefore testing my boundaries and pushing myself out of my comfort zone can often lead to beauty. So if you were to ask me what I did during winter break, I would answer you. I laughed, I sang, I had fun with loved ones, and most importantly, did all the things I love to set me up for the best year ahead! I can't complain. I am a girl in a world that has a life that she is very grateful for! I am indeed #satisfied!