Watch my reflection video here!
Q & A Written Reflection:
Arizona Arts Proficiency Seal
Queen Creek Unified School District
Capstone Reflection
Thinking about the process and product of your Capstone, reflect upon what you are most proud of and what you might do differently if you were to complete a similar project in the future.
Throughout this project, I discovered that my abilities extend far beyond acting and singing. I learned that I can lead, and when given full autonomy, my creativity knows no limits. I’m incredibly proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on new challenges like casting and directing. Seeing everything I envisioned come to life in front of me has been truly breathtaking. It’s an experience that has filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment.
If I could change one thing, it would be starting the process earlier. I’m in awe of my cast’s talent and how quickly we pulled everything together, but it required a lot of hard work and long hours in a short amount of time. In the future, I know I’ll focus more on time management to ease the pressure and give myself, and my cast, more room to breathe.
Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project.
Through all of life’s challenges and hurdles, I have built meaningful bonds within my troupe over the past four years. Bonds that have grown into something as meaningful as family. These are some of my closest friends, people I trust and love dearly. Some of them are people I never imagined I would call friends, yet today, they have become my chosen family.
At one point, I struggled to find my purpose, often feeling like I didn’t belong. But I found that purpose in theater—not just in performing but in caring for and uplifting others. My troupe is called the "Misfits" for a reason. Our motto is, “Walk in with confidence, and walk out with confidence.” But many of us didn’t always have that confidence to begin with. I realized that I could help others build it, that I could be a support system for them, and in doing so, I found joy and fulfillment.
Another phrase we live by is, “We don’t remember days, we remember moments.” That’s what my project reflects—the importance of friendship, camaraderie, and found family. It’s about how a group of strangers, despite their differences, can share their struggles, grow together, and ultimately become friends. Just like my own journey, it’s a reminder that we are never truly alone—we find our people in the most unexpected places.
Thinking about the Extracurricular hours you completed, reflect upon what you learned through the experiences and/or how you have been impacted as an artist?
Most of my extracurricular hours were spent in rehearsals, particularly for musicals. These experiences shaped me as an artist, pushing me beyond the basics of high school theater. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the director I do. Under Kyle Spitler’s leadership, I didn’t just learn how to perform on stage—I learned how to truly embody a character and immerse myself in the story. His guidance, attention to detail, and unwavering support led to my nomination for an ASU Gammage Award for Best Supporting Actor and an invitation to a week-long Broadway intensive in New York through Open Jar Studios, where I had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s best.
Through Elizabeth Reynolds, our choir director, I was invited to sing with the University of Arizona Honor Choir, where I earned a solo, and was honored with a Maestro Award at the World Strides Choir Event in California. Finally, thanks to our incredible dance instructor, Janice, I went from feeling lost and off-beat to dancing with confidence in a way I never thought possible.
These mentors have dedicated over a decade to Troupe 6152, and they personally shaped not only my skills but also my resilience. They, along with the troupe itself, have supported me through some of my darkest moments. Their love, encouragement, and life lessons are gifts I will carry with me forever, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
How is your life positively impacted by the arts?
The arts saved me when I no longer wanted to face myself. When life felt overwhelming and my light had nearly faded, I found peace in music, performance, and expressing myself creatively. Through every challenge life as thrown my way, the arts gave me something to hold onto, and became something that reignited a spark I’d thought I’d lost. That spark grew into a flame full of passion, pride and purpose. The arts gave me confidence when I felt small, hope for my future when I couldn’t see a way forward, and helped me reclaim my joy. It has shaped me into someone stronger, more resilient, and more alive than I every thought possible. The arts make me whole and complete, and I will be eternally grateful fo the impact they’ve had on my life.
How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school?
After high school, I plan to study musical theater and continue my passion through teaching. I want to be the person who gives other kids the same sense of belonging, confidence, and joy that theater gave me. I also intend on seeking out singing opportunities by joining church or other performance choirs. No matter where life takes me, the arts will always be a part of who I am, and I’ll continue to create, perform, and inspire others along the way.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school?
If you’re an incoming freshman studying the arts, the best advice is to get involved early and say yes to every opportunity. Join your school’s theater productions, choir, band, dance team, or art club as soon as possible. Even if a role or position isn’t exactly what you want, every experience will help you grow. The more involved you are, the more connections and skills you’ll develop. The arts are all about growth, vulnerability, and creativity, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Audition for roles, try a solo, attempt a new instrument, or experiment with a different art style. Even if it feels intimidating, those moments will help you discover your strengths.