The Key to Success

When I was in seventh grade, my social studies teacher always said "Organization is the key to success". Probably since elementary school, my mom has been trying to get me to get myself organized, both in my school and home life. I've always been one to have a hard time keeping a planner, keeping my room clean, or even keeping track of everything I need to do. Somehow, though, I always managed to get everything done and I was fairly successful in my "organized chaos" of a life. Of course, we all know that this is just what we tell ourselves when we have a hard time staying organized.





Every year, every semester for as long as I can remember, I have tried to get myself organized. I have bought planners, folders, labels, calendars, organizers, trappers, binders, sticky notes, highlighters, everything you could possibly imagine that was made for getting your life together. Somehow, though, every time I try, it only lasts a few weeks and then I inevitably fall off track. I forget to update my calendar, or I write in the planner but forget to check it. Somehow, it seemed like my lack of organization was permanent, a part of my genetic makeup. Let me tell you, it drove my mother crazy.



This year, though, my last year of college, is going to be different. Knowing that I'm about to graduate and be out on my own in the real world has given me a jolt into committing to organizing my life and keeping it that way. I actually want to keep things in their place and put in the effort. This weekend, I spent two whole days clearing out, cleaning out, organizing, and tidying up my room. I threw away (well, recycled) an entire garbage bag of just old papers, had two boxes of things to give away, and completely reorganized everything in there. It looks better than it has probably since I started college.





I'm also committing to using my planner this year! This wonderful planner is from Target. Cute and functional! There are plenty of places for me to keep my notes and keep track of everything that I need to do each day. Plus, using fun, bright pens also makes me want to write in it! I swear, fun colors make everything easier. These awesome Pilot pens are from France and the colors are perfect. Exciting, colorful, French pens inspire me! Does that make me a huge nerd?





I also may have gone a little crazy with my folder/notebook decoration. But when your choices at the store are One Direction or... One Direction... Well, it's time to get creative! Plus, I think taking a gold Sharpie paint pen to my folders and notebook gave my things a personal touch, which, again, makes me want to use them more! I also get to use even more French pens in them :)

It may be ten years too late, but I'm finally ready to commit to organization! Organization is the key to success! What are your tips and tricks?

Back To School!

Well, here we are once again. The beginning of the academic year. This is my fourth and final year at Cleveland State, and let me tell you, I am so ready to graduate! We are only in the second week of classes and it already seems like the tasks are piling up. I definitely came into this year, though, with a get-it-done mentality. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I can't wait to reach it!





This is the outfit that I wore on the first day of school, last Monday. This dress was one of those amazing finds on super sale that fit perfectly and wears so well. I found it over the summer at Urban Outfitters, on clearance! I rarely shop there, because I am a poor college student, but when I'm in Orlando, I often find myself in the store, just browsing and exploring the different patterns and shapes. I really think that if I didn't go into theatre, it would have been some aspect of fashion, be it design, weddings, what have you. I love this dress because it is light, airy, has a beautiful feminine shape and a lovely delicate pattern. I don't always go for the super girly style, but when I do, I enjoy the lace and floral features. To be honest, I probably have more floral prints in my closet than anything else. They are classic and timeless and, let's face it, they make me feel pretty!





This necklace is one of my staple accessories. I can't believe I haven't featured it on the blog yet. It was another lucky Florida find. I was in Macy's and there was only one left, without a tag on it, and I just knew I couldn't leave that store without it. It's one of my favorite necklaces of all time! It always reminds me of the old tales of Coco Chanel and how she wore her sewing scissors on a string of pearls around her neck. French perfection.





I'm going into this school year as positive as I could possibly be! I'm ready to take on the world and finish my education strong. I really believe in the power of positivity. A good attitude brings so many other good things with it. School is tough, yes, but it is one of those things in life that is always worth the work. My old band director used to say, it's 10% skill and 90% attitude. Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but I completely believe that so much of your success lies in your own self and how you perceive the world. It is a choice to keep your chin up. Is it always easy? Of course not. But the effort pays off the in the end. Trust me.

Are you back in school this year?

Playing Sally Bowles

One of the biggest perks of being in theatre is that I get to pretend to be someone else on a regular basis, and it's considered completely acceptable! I get to do things that I would never do in real life without being judged. I get to dress up and do ridiculous makeup. Before our first dress rehearsal, when I was getting into costume for the first time, I had a serious moment when I put my wig on. Being in full makeup, it was a transformation. I was no longer Emma Clark. I was Sally Bowles. Believe it or not, it's incredibly freeing.



Playing Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" was no different. She is a totally different person than myself. For one thing, she's English. She sells her body in a night club, drinks constantly, does drugs, and flits through life, not caring how her actions affects her long-term. She lives by the seat of her pants and consciously pays no attention to the world around her. Needless to say, I'm not much like her.

Or so I thought...



What was so amazing about this role was even though we are clearly so different, I was still able to find things we have in common. The fact is that, even though she's an awful person, she's still human. There were still levels on which I understand her and connect to her. Even though she's brash and unrefined on the outside, she's still vulnerable, feminine and emotional. Finding that common ground between us is really what enabled me to dig so deep into her character. Getting that connected is what ultimately gave me the ability to immerse myself deep enough to feel her pain myself. There were a few nights where it would hit me so hard that I would cry on stage. It was a beautiful, fulfilling feeling to be so utterly connected to her, this person that I thought I would never completely understand.



Playing Sally taught me so much. I grew as a performer and learned that I can push my limits and challenge my boundaries. In fact, I have no boundaries! The experience once again confirmed what I have known for so much of my life: I love being an actress. It is my passion, and I would never be as happy doing anything else.

Not to mention, I absolutely loved wearing that wig ;)