today, I graduate

Today, I graduate from the University of Maryland.

It's so hard to believe that I am leaving. In both good ways and bad. It's been four years. Four years of learning. Four years of exhilaration  Four years of struggle. Four years of friends. Four years of everything I could have ever asked for. Over the past four years I learned who I was, fell in love, got my heart broken, l figured out where my limits were, who my friends were and how to be alone. I learned about theatre, acting, theory, being true to yourself, where my true voice lies and how to stand in front of someone and really, truly speak my heart. I made friends with adults and friends with people younger than me, I have gotten drunker than I should have and become OK with staying in on Friday nights. I've pulled all nighters in the library, slept when I should have been studying, failed tests and absolutely aced tests. I have figured out who I am and where I want to be in this world. And I have loved every second of it.

Yesterday, I processed with the rest of the Class of 2013. All 5,000 of us sat in the basketball arena and watched Cal Ripken Jr. and the President of the University congratulate us on our graduation. We took our tassles and turned them from the right to the left. We were officially declared alumni.

Today, we go to individual ceremonies. In the morning, I'll head to Theatre and celebrate with everyone who have made my college career amazing. In the afternoon I'll head to Communications and celebrate receiving my second degree.
Tomorrow, I finish packing up and moving out of my childhood home and start my first big girl job in a place that is three hours away from everything I have fallen in love with over the past four years. I am terrified.
But today I will enjoy this last day with my friends, family and the campus that I love.

Congratulations, Class of 2013! We did it! Go Terps!

a big announcement!

Over the last few weeks I have been working on graduating, finishing classes and just plain old enjoying the end of my amazing four years in college. I've been hugging old friends, reliving old memories and looking through old pictures. I've been going to banquets and receiving alumni pins and getting certificates. And it's been very surreal.

Two weeks ago I got a job. A real one. It has benefits and time-and-a-half and everything that a real job should have. Everything a theatre kid doesn't really expect to get in a job.

As of this Wednesday (exactly two days after graduation!) I will be moving down to Virginia to work as a Stage Manager at Busch Gardens Williamsburg through the rest of the year!

I am both terrified and absolutely excited. Last weekend I went down to the area and got my apartment - all of a sudden I go from graduating to a big-girl job complete with the worries of apartments, benefits, gas, insurance, etc. But amusement parks are one of my favorite things in the world - so spending the next six or so months working at one of the coolest places in the world? I really can't wait.

Let me know if you are in/are visiting the Williamsburg/Newport News area this summer!
I'm always ready to meet new blog friends :) 

my best friend turned 23!

Last week was the final week of my final shows here at Maryland (boo!) but I was lucky enough to have Monday off - perfect for celebrating my best friend's 23rd birthday!
She had no big plans so I had her come over and we got a few drinks at a restaurant next to my apartment before going to a bar and just hanging out with a few friends!

 

 

Happy birthday, Bri! Love you!

dear boston

Boston,

I found out about what happened to you when I was on set of a TV show filming. I was excited, ecstatic to be doing something so awesome. I was sitting in the living room of the set waiting for my makeup to be done when another actress came into the room and started crying.

At first I thought it was nothing. Maybe she was just upset about something happened during shooting. Everyone there was very friendly so I had the courage to ask her what was wrong.

She just held out her phone and said, "there was a bombing in Boston. I was looking at the pictures."

I panicked. While I don't have any family there and do not know many people in that area anymore, Boston is still my home. We used to take  Hell, I just visited last year! (which is pretty significant seeing how I never have time to travel!)

My heart sank. Boston, you're one of my favorite cities. I root for all of your teams. You're my childhood.

The words "how??" and "why??" kept floating through my head. When 9/11 happened, I was ten and a fifth grader in elementary school. I remember when I learned that the plane from MA was one of the hijacked ones 

I have been wearing Boston memorabilia ever since I found out. Every second I have, I think of the victims. This has hit home. And I'm angry.

I wish there was some radical action I had to take care of Boston. To make sure my home state is OK. But...I don't know what that is. So I'll spend my time thinking of them. Wishing them speedy recoveries, happy hearts and clear minds. 

Join with me. Please?

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