Studying abroad was pobably one of the most culturally awakening experiences that I have had. Unlike most people within study abroad, I was able to study in a wonderful place where everything that I knew to be true was different. Spending a semester in the far off location of Connecticut I found myself immersed in another world, here within the United States. While at The National Theatre Institute at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre Center I was able to fully immerse myself into theatre. Constantly facing impossible challenges, the motto of “Risk, Fail, Risk Again” will stick with me for my life. While at the O’Neil, I was able to take 17 classes and work from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm 7 days a week. With my first day off at Thanksgiving, I like to think of it as the longest week of my life. As long and challenging as it was I wouldn’t change anything. There, I took classes in anything from Chekov acting to Balinese Mask to Suzuki Movement. Of all of these challenges the biggest of them all was to create a devised (group written, designed, choreographed, directed) piece in two weeks from Clifford Odets Waiting For Lefty. I cannot describe how amazing of an experience this was with my other 31 ensemble members. Through this we grew as an ensemble and as a family. Because we became such a close family, I can honestly say that I was changed by them. I feel that they are just as much my support system as anyone Willamette. They challenge me in what I believe. I have added a chorus scene from our final project Belly of the Whale or The Lefty Adaptation Project called “I believe” where I was one of five core writers.

I Believe

ALL (individually)

I believe I don’t know enough.

I wish I knew more

My mind is made up there’s going to be trouble

When I look in the mirror I see my thighs

The songs we’ve sung

Hopes we’ve held

America why are your libraries full of tears?

After all it is you and I who are perfect not the next world.

America when will you be angelic?

America stop pushing I know what I’m doing

There must be some other way to settle this argument.

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed.

I believe we’re stuck

What happens to a dream?

They charge 75 cents to put whipped cream on your coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts.

Who is steering the ship?

Making light of something does not negate the severity of it

Not on my watch

It occurs to me that I am America

I, too, am America.

It never was America to me

I’ve given you all and now I’m nothing

Our children are going to study about this in history class and laugh at us

Some people are stronger than others

I’m here but I’m not actually here

Tomorrow I will not be a fuck

I’m addressing you

I haven’t read the newspaper for months, but everyday somebody goes on trial for murder.

I wish I knew

America, this is quite serious.

I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek –

I don’t know enough