Every admissions day session I have attended, they also have us talk about “Why I chose Heidelberg.” Honestly, I didn’t choose Heidelberg. I couldn’t say that to prospective students, of course, so I crafted some sentimental story using bits and pieces of truth. I didn’t choose Heidelberg at first. I was 17, and I didn’t know what I wanted. I only applied to a few schools, I never visited, and I auditioned at the last minute. When I got into Heidelberg, I was like, “Well there’s my answer.” Even though I didn’t choose Heidelberg at first, for the next four years I would choose Heidelberg every day. It very quickly became a home to me, and I have made friends that will be in my heart forever. This school has made me the person I am today, and I am forever grateful.
I majored in Music Education for roughly 2 weeks. I always knew that I wanted to major in Theatre, but I listened to all of the adults in my life who thought it was a waste. After two weeks of Music Education classes, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do and changed my major to Musical Theatre. The next day, I showed up to the Music Man rehearsal as “Gracie Shinn” and then I never left. I decided that I wanted to do something I loved and was passionate about because why do something you don’t enjoy? At the end of the day, it is my life and I want to spend it doing something I love.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was imposter syndrome. I jumped head first into the theatre major, and I felt so behind and less than. It felt like everyone else had “intel” for secrets that I didn’t know. This was something I really struggled with for a while. I was constantly looking for outside validation from my professors and peers. It wasn’t until an alumna Kenzie James told me that “Every person is different. We all have different strengths and talents to offer. All you can do is give what you have, and don’t worry about anyone else. You can’t compare yourself to others because you are completely different people.” After that, I was really able to defeat that feeling of doubt and insecurity in myself and focus on what I can do well and what I can get better at.
Above all, Heidelberg prepared me to advocate for myself and others. Theatre is so personal and connected to who you are, and you have to be the one fighting for yourself. You can also use it to elevate the voices of others, especially groups of people who are underrepresented.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in so many different things. I wanted to learn as much as I could in my 4 years, so I pretty much tried every element of theatre once. I have gotten the chance to explore so many different topics and skills. Not only am I a performer, but I’m a director, a writer, a choreographer and so much more.
I didn’t really have time for extra-curricular activities, and the ones I was involved in were also theatre related. You “miss out” on a lot of things by committing to theatre, but it doesn’t really feel like you are missing out at all. When I leave here, I’m not wishing I went to a certain event or party, I am taking all of the amazing memories I have made with my family.
I am very grateful for all the things my professors have taught me, but my ‘Berg experience was mostly impacted my fellow theatre majors. Seeing each class come in and continue to grow was so incredible. People started coming to me for acting or just general advice. They told me that they looked up to me, and I never thought that would happen. We all wanted each other to succeed and their wins made it feel like you won. We all take care of each other, and I have never felt more loved.
My advice to new freshmen would be to embrace change. Within my four years here, so many things have been thrown at us. Many times we felt like it was the end, and we didn’t know where to go from there. Yes, it was hard. Yes, you need to let yourself feel your emotions, but don’t let anything stop you from moving forward. Everything we have gone through has taught me something new about myself, or something else. In the moment, it feels like nothing makes sense and everything has changed. Change is inevitable, you can’t prevent it, but you can control how you react to it. That, of course, is easier said than done.
I actually don’t think my favorite Heidelberg memory has happened yet. Coming up we have the senior showcase, and the New York trip and I know those are going to be my favorite memories. I can’t wait to share my love and pass the torch to the next round of seniors. The desk rolling off stage during 9 to 5 is up there though.
My plans after graduation are to just move to New York and do the thing. It’s intense and it’s scary, but I know that’s what is next for me