In part two of Episode 36, Nathalie Alcime (class of 2007) and I talk about how her time in the dance studio helped to give her more confidence in her own skin when it came to dance performance. As her confidence grew, she learned how to walk proudly in her experience, even when she made mistakes. Learning to fail forward became the key to her standing up to the looming imposter syndrome that often get in the way of our success.
Category: Changed for the Better
Changed for the Better: episode 36, part 1
Episode 36, part one highlights how my connection with Nathalie led to the creation of a performance opportunity that examines the slow awakening to the discourse of social justice. Sometimes, terrible events can give birth to beautiful things.
Changed for the Better: Episode 35
Darian Garner, the valedictorian of the class of 2013. A perfect blend of brilliance, kindness and humility, Darian graciously shared her stories about navigating the challenges of being Black in an Ivy League school, losing her mom, becoming an actuary, and growing into her independence.
Changed for the Better: episode 34
From the to the class of 2012, Melissa Iglody's bright, bubbly personality infused positivity and a lively spark to our performing arts community. Learn how she took those lessons from the theater and found new happy places in college and beyond!
Changed for the Better: Episode 33
A superhero is aware of the inequities of the world, and possesses the energy and drive to do something about it. Melissa Denizard is Spring Valley's homegrown superhero. We talk about how she melds activism with her exploding artistic vision.
Changed for the Better: Episode 32
Dara Orlando is somewhat of a Thespian legend. This Thespian alum has grown up to become a corporate executive/working mom. Read on to learn how she manages the demands and stays as centered as she can.
Changed for the Better: Episode 31
Welcome to Season 3!! Episode 31 takes us back to the class of 2003. A self-professed “Jane of all trades” and Heartland Emmy nominee, Marie Casimir discovered her passion for everything the arts had to offer during high school, when she immersed herself in dance and Thespians. Now, she is sharing her own vision with the world.
Changed for the Better: episode 30
Is there a gentle doctor in the house? Pretty soon, there will be! Soon, my episode 30 guest will become Dr. Dwayne Gentle. What better way to close out season 2 than to talk to a formerly hyper-vigilant adolescent about his path to being more spontaneous, changing his mindset, surviving medical school and living life exactly how he wants to live it.
Changed for the Better: episode 29
Jessica Butler (La Presidenta) was tiny force of nature in Thespians. Taking notice of our drama club in middle school, she made an instant decision: she would lead the troupe in her senior year. Challenge accepted. In this episode, we discuss mentorship, embracing your ability in the face of imposter syndrome, and learning how to "figure it out."
Changed for the Better, episode 28
As we go through life, our identity is defined by the things we do and the relationships we hold dear. In this episode, Jacqueline Smith-Musselman reflects on all of her identifiers, including the bliss (and terrors) of motherhood and her dream job as a Kindergarten teacher. We also talk about the benefits of therapy, being joyful, and the struggle to maintain balance.
Stacey's Headspace 