University of Wales Trinity Saint David student visits the USA
To be honest, it was all a complete mistake. I thought I’d booked a room at the university but when I went in a meeting was taking place and I was told they’d be finished in less than 10 minutes and I was welcome to wait in the room. The meeting was about studying abroad and at the end they asked if anyone had any questions, and I found myself asking lots of questions about how it worked, and the support on offer. I remember straight after that meeting calling my mums and telling them I want to go to America. I’ve always said I don’t want to travel, because it’s not something I’ve ever done so it was a big shock to everyone.
I was lucky enough to go on this international learning experience with a friend Grace from the same course, and we were sharing a dorm together with two other French exchange students. As it was my first time travelling it was made so much easier knowing that Grace had done this before. I was nervous about flying but just following Grace, as she knew what she was doing, made the whole process easier and it was reassuring because I wasn’t on my own. Once I was on the plane, I realised it wasn’t that bad and flying now no longer makes me feel nervous.
I have taken part in so many classes for my course. I chose all acting classes for theatre majors, and I’ve learned so much not only as a performer but also about myself. Through participation in an auto drama, where I was asked to give an honest reflection about myself to a bunch of people I didn’t know, I realised the importance of emotional availability and using my own life experiences to highlight naturalism in specific characters and how these skills can help me going forward as an actor. I’ve also been able to try my hand at playwriting which I was really scared about doing because of my dyslexia and my struggles with reading and processing information. I honestly thought there was no way somebody with dyslexia is going to even pass the class, but I chose it because I wanted to challenge myself and I always strive to do things that will be hard. The course went really well, and I’ve now actually submitted my first play into a 10-minute play competition as advised by my playwriting professor. I’ve also had opportunities to work with professional make-up and costume departments, and professional props and set design departments.
I think I probably would have had the opportunities to try these activities eventually in Wales, but having them start sooner has shown me what I’m capable of as a performer. Acting is a hard industry to get into and you can’t guarantee you’ll get a job. You also will have times when acting that you won’t be able to see friends or family for long periods of time, so having this opportunity has helped me experience what it would be like being away from loved ones, and I now know I’m capable of doing it. Going away has also allowed me to grow more independent and I’ve been practicing my networking skills. I’ve been reaching out to American playwrights who have actually contacted me back, and they’re pretty well-established playwrights. Everything I came to California to do, either for myself or academically I have done it. I feel like I’ve come out of this as a better performer and as a stronger person overall.
Something I wish someone had told me is don’t overthink it and don’t let the things you think are weaknesses control what you think you are capable of doing. If I’d let my dyslexia control me, I wouldn’t have submitted anything to the play competition and then wouldn’t be sitting here telling you about how great I feel about doing it. Also having the additional funding from Taith settled a lot of my fear of being able to support myself financially. It’s allowed me to really take advantage of every single opportunity that has come to me. This experience has changed my life.
