The beautiful scenery of fall filled my mind as we drove through the streets with excitement beaming in my mother’s eyes. I could not help but wonder why she was so excited. My efforts to inquire about where we were headed to were not successful as my mother urged me to be patient and wait for the surprise. I sat there fidgeting and wondering where we were going and what this surprise could be that made my mother so happy. Little did I know that my life would soon change as this journey would be the beginning of new learning opportunities and growth. After 40 minutes of driving we stopped at a building with the sign “Natyarpana,” a dance studio for young girls, I was immediately filled with immeasurable joy and excitement.
From the moment I stepped into my first Bharatanatyam class my interests and desires were ignited as I had discovered my love for dance. The next 12 years were filled with challenges and successes that provided me with the chance to develop my skills, values and morals as a dancer and individual. The stage became my world and revealed a burning desire within me that I never knew existed. Whenever I was on stage I felt alive, happy and content. Each dance class challenged me to be a better individual as my teachers instilled in me moral values that would help me succeed. I became disciplined, dedicated and committed to achieving any goal I set in my mind.
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Many say that life experiences shape an individual’s emotional and physical perspective, well for me, dance has been a part of my growth. Through dance I have been able to accomplish goals that I would otherwise not have achieved without the values that I have acquired. Ten years after I walked into my first dance class, I was able to perform a 3 hour solo dance that earned me the title of a professional dancer. I vividly remember the minutes before I walked on stage, once the lights dimmed, and the pounding in my chest settled, I knew that this was my chance to prove to myself and everyone that believed in me that I could do it. As I performed on stage I could not help but be proud of myself, I imagined that everyone that watched me found pleasure in my performance and was happy. I knew then, that I aspired to change people’s lives through my talents.
Dancing has opened new possibilities in my life due to the values instilled in me; I am confident and believe that I can be successful in anything I commit myself to. At 15 years old I decided to join the pageant, despite the negative connotations associated with pageant girls I was determined to overcome the stereotype. Similar to dancing pageantry allowed me to rediscover my passion in helping others and the community. I was inspired to create Promoting H.E.A.L.T.H, a non-profit organization whose main goal is to promote good health within the community by endorsing habits that encourage people to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The organization has enabled me to organize charity events and raise funds for boys and girls clubs within Milwaukee and across Wisconsin.
Together with the sponsors and partners at Promoting H.E.A.L.T.H, I have realized my life long purpose of advocating for physical, mental and emotional health within my community. As the winner of the 2017 National American Miss Wisconsin Jr. Teen I used my platform to make a difference within the society by educating young people on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Volunteering and participating in campaigns within my community that promote public health have enhanced my interest in pursuing a career in the medical field. Thus, I believe that a college education in the medical field will prepare me to be a resourceful health practitioner and continue to assist my community.
