1,461 days, 35,064 hours, and 2,102,400 minutes later… I can officially say that I am a college graduate! I graduated with honors from AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 4, 2022 earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting-Performing Arts. I’m going to be completely honest with you all when writing this specific blog post I can’t even fathom the words to express as to how grateful, humble, joyful, and full of love I feel in this moment. I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who has shown me support, encouragement, and love during my journey. Also, I would like to give a huge shoutout and extra special thank you to my parents. I don’t think I will ever have the words to express my gratitude and much appreciation I have for everything that they have done for me. Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! <3
Before the graduation ceremony, it was wonderful that all of the soon-to-be graduates were able to chat, take some photos with each other, and get to spend some time with each other before we embarked onto our next adventures. I feel like I have this bad habit of always thinking ahead, but in this moment, I just wanted to absorb it in like a sponge and be in the moment. As I write this, I’m tearing up because I know I’m going to miss these days so much. I have learned so much from my classmates and teachers at AMDA that I will not only take into my career but my life as well. I will always cherish the memories and many relationships that I have made throughout my time at AMDA. (Thank you, FAMDAly. <3)
*Pictured above: The AMDA 2022 BFA Acting graduates pose for picture together before the ceremony.
If you have ever seen the movie, The Wizard of Oz, you probably remember the scene when Glinda the Good Witch says to Dorothy: “You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” This quote really sums up my journey so far. As I sat with my classmates one final time as students at graduation, the memory of my very first day at AMDA played in my mind like a film. I remember when moving into my dorm and going to orientation, I was absolutely terrified. (I will say it was pretty cool though that Quentin Tarantino’s, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was being filmed on our street during my orientation week.) At one point in time, I remember thinking: “Am I making a huge mistake?” but I knew in my heart that I was making the right choice and I am so glad that I did. Back to The Wizard of Oz, I’ve thought about it and I think that the characters and what they are going through throughout the course of the story symbolizes my time at AMDA. The first couple of weeks at AMDA, I was like Dorothy ---homesick and wanting to go home but my Glinda the Good Witch (aka my parents, family, and friends) reassured me that I would be okay and to just follow the yellow brick road. So, I took a chance and did. Along the way, I met my Scarecrow which was the training that I was gaining from my teachers and peers. My Tin Man was the new love, passion, and new found appreciation I had for acting. I was afraid of the lions, tigers, and bears, (Oh, my!), but I became friends with my fear---the Cowardly Lion. I did have to deal with the Wicked Witch of the West though---aka the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the help of my friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, I was able to overcome it and kept going. Eventually, with my resilience, hope, passion, work ethic, and my support system, I finally made it to the Emerald City!! The Wizard of Oz (AMDA) gave me my diploma after my long adventure. I realized that I did have the power all along and I did learn it for myself. Following the yellow brick road was the best decision I have ever made. There is no place like Hollywood.
*Pictured above: Melanie Gillott with Judy Garland's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, CA.
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