Alternate title: “Salary Expectations.”
“Awarded” “Class Clown” in high school, junior year. Then “Most Talented” senior year. It is recognized in each respective yearbook……… (All I can think is: “bish, don’t peak in high school.” I did not love high school and was not myself so worry not.)
“Awarded” “Best Sense of Humor” in my 2015 training class at Yelp, and that class was filled with genuine superstars.
Graduated improv level 1 at the PIT in NYC—was not very good. Took levels 1-3, and part of 4, improv at Village Theatre in ATL, and had so much anxiety, but met a fantastically fun bunch of people who I’m not sure I felt worthy of collaborating with at the time, but still laughed so hard with. Took levels 1-4 improv at Dad’s Garage in ATL, and still was not particularly excellent, but did learn to have a little more fun, a lot more confidence, and again, met some bright people who encouraged me to share myself in spite of the constant fighting. Took Improv at Highwire Comedy in ATL with prime collaborator and friend, and had the best class experience of a long time—the teacher and chemistry of the class were great. Took a few sketch writing classes there, and again, had such good learning experiences. Made friends who I still laugh and collaborate with. Was asked to, and fulfilled, a position TA’ing a sketch writing class, and I felt like I was right in place. And then began a stand-up class, and convinced other friends to join, then dropped it because I wasn’t making myself laugh and don’t like rules, especially when I don’t have to follow them.
Took a few acting classes at the Alliance with friends, and again, had such great teaching/learning experiences. Meaning- the instructors were present, and I trusted them. Learned more about myself, as I do in each setting.
Moved to New York City after graduating at UGA. (Let’s be real- I am proud to have graduated from the University of Georgia—it was on the outskirts of my wildest and earliest self-love dreams growing up. (Will, one day, get the vespa!)) Back to NYC- found a room in Bed-Stuy (Brooklyn) on Craigslist. Went to the meet-and-greet/viewing shaking in the snow/rain-boots my mom bought me, specifically in preparation for this new & slushy lifestyle. Was so inspired and bedazzled by the roommates. The three of us ended up having experiences together that I will never forget, and which I cherish deeply. It was also a very nice and affordable space!
What else, you ask? I co-created the Alliance Theatre Podcast with my colleagues, Ari and Jon. Ari and I shared the responsibility of production, and then when she went to another company, I took it on. Managed and produced that until I left, and passed it on to a newer colleague of excellence.
I did get accepted to Northwestern—for a Master’s Program. As I mentioned earlier, it is only astonishing because I never once, in my wildest dreams, even thought that this was in the realm of possibility. So when something like that happens, it is flabbergasting(: synonym for astonishing.) It wasn’t a degree for Neuroscience or Fine Art, but it was enough for me to think “wow, self, maybe you are worthy of some fanciness.”
When I was a kid, I wrote an anonymous love letter to my crush, and then through teamwork, he grabbed the note/I handed it to him when I told him “I wrote a love letter for my crush.” To the point: we didn’t move forward romantically. So I keep my loves secret mostly. Or I have.* A few years ago, I cleaned out some of those burdens of keeping one’s trap shut despite the swirling echoes of feeling beneath. To the point: I am mostly pretty honest about my feelings these days. Maybe not when I’m pissed off—working on it.
I interned at a radio station out of curiosity. I mentored a first grader at a local elementary school. I assisted with a local social art project. I paint. I write. I draw. I play with some music. We’re figuring it out!
Needs more: discipline, exercise, breathing, confidence, reading, water.
Peace.