Entering this program I truly did not know what to expect, and I kept my expectations low to avoid disappointment, but as soon as I entered the program I learned that it wasn't necessary. I initially enrolled in this program to improve my acting, but I left having learned so much more about my craft, myself, and life. It is often said that you must face adversity first in order to find your true friends, and ironically I learned this first hand on my trip. On one of the hiking days, I unfortunately dislocated my knee. As I sat in Ithaca's local ER, I saw no bright side to the situation, but boy was I wrong. The next few days I would be introduced to a whole new group of friends, who I may have never met if I hadn't dislocated my knee. Melanie (a fellow Wishbone participant!) was one of the first that I met, when she saw me struggling up the stairs with my crutches and automatically helped me. I was lucky enough to meet the rest of the clan at a bonfire organized by the program. After the bonfire we hung out where I met Sarah, Kevin, and Marlon, perhaps my closest friends at the program. Sarah and I had clicked automatically for it was easy with her big heart, and warm personality, Marlon and Kevin were always the life of the party, always a pleasure to be around with their crazy and wild personalities, I surely never felt out of place. I can't forget Damarcus (a fellow actor), Monae, Yattie, Jerrelle, Arlene, Deanna, Viv, Jayda, Bari, Dhillon, Cole, and Raydy who perhaps helped me the most by pushing me in my wheelchair everyday to class, lunch, and dinner until I was able to walk on my own. All of these people each contributed something amazing to my trip and as a whole they made it one of my most memorable life experiences.

But I can't forget about what I came to Ithaca for; the acting! I felt this class truly helped me gain insight on my craft thanks to my incredibly wise instructor and my peers as well. Working with them everyday, I learned as I watched as well as when I participated. I don't think all the thank yous in the world could express how truly grateful I am for this experience. But nevertheless, thank you to you all, to Wishbone, to those who believed I deserved this opportunity, and to those I met that I will maintain relationships with and never forget; thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am so glad to say that Ithaca has exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Not only did it live up to it's catchphrase --"Ithaca is Gorges" due to it's many gorges -- I also found so many other ways in which Ithaca and the school are gorgeous. My first day here I was welcomed with warm greetings, I did not feel out of place whatsoever and instead fed off of the bright and welcoming atmosphere. After arriving and receiving my room key, I went up and met my roommate, Michelle, one of the sweetest girls and the perfect roommate. Shortly after we had orientation, I met Liz and Mara. These two girls are a perfect reflection of the type of place Ithaca is. They are both so genuine and kindhearted and truly a pleasure to be around. I feel blessed to have found them and so quickly as well. But just like their warm and open spirits Ithaca college is the same. I feel comfortable in both my dorm with my RA's and fellow peers as well as in class. I am so beyond satisfied with my acting class. My instructor, Barbara Anger, is so wise and understanding, she grasps details that many of us miss in our acting exercises and I am gaining so much insight from her. On top the already amazing class I get to partake in, the program has organized many extra activities for us that allow us to truly get a taste of Ithaca college and gain an abundance of new friends. Our most recent trip was to the Taughannock Falls, where we took a hike, reached the waterfalls, and were met with a mist of refreshing water. They say that sometimes the mist of the Taughannock Falls whispers the secret of the land and I truly felt like I was part of something secretive, so serene and in the moment. I have found I am experiencing many moments like this in Ithaca and they are teaching me things both about myself and the world that I never noticed before. I feel myself growing as this journey progresses and I can't wait to see what else is in store.

Almost everything is set in place and there are only three short weeks until I set off on my journey! Excited doesn't even come close to describing the colorful pallet of feelings I have about attending this program. Every summer, I watched my friends go off on journeys to places I never was able to visit. But for the first time ever, I'm doing what I want, not a compromise or a second choice, and I can't believe it. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and all those that believed in me enough to support my voyage of reaching my dream. These three weeks will be the first time I will be away from home so long without my mother, and even though the idea may be frightening to some, I am ready to face it head on. I can not wait to meet new friends who share the same interests as me and most of all I can't wait to expand my craft. All I want to do is act, it's the fire within me and discovering it also helped me discover the true definition of passion. To be able to study it at Ithaca College alongside motivated peers and a wonderful instructor is more than I could ask for at this point of my life. I can't wait to experience everything awaiting me and also share it with all of you!