Theatre and Psychology Major
I chose Heidelberg because of OPPORTUNITY. Heidelberg gave me the opportunity to pursue as much as I desired. I was not only able to magnify my spark for theatre, but also extend my passion to acquire skills in elements of technical theatre production as well! Additionally, I've had the opportunity to blend the acquisition of my studies in both theatre and psychology in various areas. Because of these opportunities, I can stand with confidence in the education I've received and leap into the industry with assurance. I have been blessed with the many opportunities I have gotten from Heidelberg.
I majored in Theatre and Psychology because I had an interest for the arts alongside the function of the mind. I wanted to be able to perform and touch people's lives with theatre, the way that my life had been touched. However, I also wanted to be able to study the mind's intricacies and processes on an elevated scale. It was very important for me to be able to stimulate both halves of my brain without abandoning one of my passions. Realizing that I could do both majors ultimately made me a particularly well-rounded individual. The majors themselves cross-collaborated often: psychology subconsciously helping me as an actor and conversely, theatre helping me with my psychological studies. I've had a blast being able to follow both majors to the finish line!
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was the uncertainty of transitioning into a new chapter of the theatre department. We got completely new faculty and with any drastic change like that, we didn't know what to expect. Instead of letting my uncertainties control me, I decided to handle it by taking the reins on what I could control in the situation. I joined a part of the student committee that chose new faculty, I kept my friends close and we leaned on each other for support, and I felt pushed to learn more in my free/alone time. I couldn't change everything, but I wanted to make it easier and safer for others and myself to move forward!
The best opportunity I discovered at Heidelberg was, by far, the privilege of collaborating with the Seneca County Opportunity Center. The Opportunity Center is a school here in Tiffin that provides services to folks with disabilities within the community. Since my freshman year, I have been a part of the team who puts on a musical with the students and faculty there. The first show we performed was Frog and Toad and ever since then I've been hooked. This year, we are performing Oceans of Fun the Musical and I have had the privilege of leading the process! Forming and maintaining the relationship with this extraordinary group of people through theatre has been one of the highlights of my college career. The students excel when presented with theatrical material each year and shows how theatre not only changes lives, but enriches them!
Outside the classroom I have been involved in or a part of (on, off, or backstage) over 30 shows and performances. My performing credits include over 20 credits on stage. I was President of the Make-A-Scene Improv Troupe (member for 3 years), President of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honorary (member for 3 years), Vice President of Black Student Union (sophomore year, member for 4 years), editor of the Aurora Yearbook Committee, Studio2Stage, Heimonics, Berg Impact, World Student Union, Berg Events Council, and Tiffin4Peace.
The thing I'm most proud of about my Heidelberg accomplishments is that I followed my ambition all the way through. Graduating with my degree is what I am most proud of. I have had many times where I've wanted to give up, walk away, or turn around. Being able to walk across the stage validates each and every accomplishment I've had over the years. I can't wait for my family to see that all their sacrifice, hard work, and encouragement has payed off. I am so grateful to my family for being the greatest support system I could ask for. I owe this degree to them!
One faculty or staff mentor/advisor who impacted my 'Berg experience is Karla Kash. She has given me many opportunities to get hands-on learning experience onstage. I value the belief and encouragement she gives in her students to build their confidence. With that same uplifting spirit, she reminded me how to trust myself while performing. The faith and optimism she holds for her students is much appreciated and will stay with me as I continue my journey.
My advice to new freshman me would be "Don't take this for granted. You most likely won't get time and opportunity like this again. Time to explore, fail, mold, sharpen, polish, tear down, start from scratch, and try new things. Take advantage of your time and design what kind of person you want to become! If you do this early on, you can set yourself up for success. Take chances on yourself, go out of your comfort zone, meet new people, try new things, push yourself, don't take the easy way out, hold yourself accountable, do the work. Remember you love what you do and don't let anything get in the way of that. Oh, and have all the fun you can long the way, it goes by too darn quick as you know."
My favorite Heidelberg memory is finding my people. I met my best friends and life-long road dogs in the theatre and each time I got to share time with them was a favorite memory of mine. From long nights in the theatre painting sets, to evenings in Miller after rehearsal with Autumn, Riley, Serria, and Haylie, to random McDonald's runs with Allison, to the most epic nights at the theatre house with Bri, Jack, Zach, Kam, Elayna, CJ, Gretta, and Nick singing karaoke until we couldn't anymore, to strikes and jokes with Ben Bodart, to belly laughs with Gavin, Jasmine, and Ben P., to arbitrary visits to Kayliana and Krista's room, to freshman year acting classes with the all the original theatre majors of 2025 that have since parted ways, to the goofiest yet most amusing parties thrtown at the townhouse this year. All of these memories have shaped my experience and transformed me into the person that will be walking across the stage in May. I can't choose just one memory, so here's to all of them!
My plans after graduation are to continue learning and sharpening my craft. I hope to get into a performing apprenticeship and keep studying the essence of my craft. I crave to continue learning about the art of performing and how to best improve the execution of my technique. After that, I plan to work professionally as a stage and screen performer, sharing what I've learned with the world and blooming wherever I'm planted!