Picture this: Denver, summer of 2015. Dressed as the comic book version of Carl from the Walking Dead, I walked up to the downtown convention center. As I joined the line that wrapped around the building, looking at the throng of nerds and geeks, a singular thought filled my head. “This is it. This is my tribe.”

Over the next few years, cosplay would become so much more than a hobby. I tackled prop crafting, starting with foam bracers and helmets. From there, I expanded to Worbla, experimenting with pearl, black, and clear. But as much as I love building props, cosplay makeup is my best skill. I love being able to become the characters by putting on their face.

I love to compete, and early on I won a few contests including Rocky Mountain Con 2017 Cosplay Contest, 2nd Place , Genghis Con 2018 Cosplay Contest, 1st Place, and Kobold Con 2018 Cosplay Contest, People's Choice, 2nd Place, & Best Performance, Second Place. For me, it’s not just about the costume but also the performance because it’s the difference between a costume and cosPLAY.

One of the best things about cosplay is the caring and creative community I found here in Colorado. Beyond connecting with friends and fans on social media, Cosplay has afforded me the opportunity to combine my passion for teaching and community service with my prevalent creative streak. JPax Cosplay may be my alter ego, but in my every day life, I’m Ms. Reyes, a Bilingual DPS teacher/teacher leader with over 6 years of experience in ECE-5th grade. Over the years, I have partnered with many organizations (including the now defunct SWORD Cosplay) to visit children’s hospitals, schools, and to serve in community events. As a current member of The Oathkeepers Causeplay, I have the privilege of bringing some joy to Colorado kiddos. Recently, for the second year in a row, I was able to take my school’s comic book club to Denver Pop Culture Con thanks to the generous donations from friends in the cosplay community. What can I say? I love cosplay and I love what it brings out in people. I never grew out of playing dress up.