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.
Category: Changed for the Better
Changed for the Better, Episode 27
This episode's theme is centered around social-emotional learning. So much valuable knowledge was shared in this conversation about how arts education activities support SEL for students. See what Cesia Roman learned through her performing arts activities, and how she is now paying it forward to the teenagers in her home district.
Changed for the Better, episode 26
Today's blog focuses on Michaelle Vilsa, Spring Valley High School class of 2014. From her high school days to the present, Michaelle has always done her best work in the spotlight. Read on to learn how she's taken her early training in the arts to new heights.
Changed for the Better, episode 25
Chizi Duru is a content creator/influencer/entrepreneur/media personality. With over 500,000 followers, her YouTube channel promotes her mission to create a space for women to love themselves authentically so they may step into their power. Read on to see how her time in the dance studio helped her to overcome her fears and inspire her trajectory towards the creation of her social media empire.
Changed for the Better: episode 24
Elya Shavrova talks about learning through disappointment, developing strong roots, and how her performing arts experiences gave her the self-confidence to determine who she is and what she wants.
Changed for the Better: episode 23
Before Robyn Corujo became the superhero beast she is today, our paths first crossed in my first year at Spring Valley. Here's a look back to that important musical experience and how we were both "Changed for the Better" because of it.
Changed for the Better: episode 22
Brittany Gischner is straight out of Central Casting - literally. This successful casting director looks back to her roots as Thespian President, and how she applies our motto, "Act well your part; there all the honor lies" every single day.
Changed for the Better: Episode 21
Back in high school, Bianca was a bright, personable, happy young woman with a smile as wide as Texas, full of positivity and light. Despite some significant, unresolved childhood traumas, Bianca found a home with Thespians, where she was surrounded by a community who embraced her energy and helped her channel the difficult emotions she was experiencing behind that smile.
Changed for the Better: episode 20
Alex Domini's story is another example of how you make plans, God laughs, and you make new plans. Life is a journey, and it's best to traverse the terrain with eyes wide open, ears attuned to the universe, and heart ready for the ride. Read on to learn about Alex's journey.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 19
This episode shares the experience of someone diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, and how his Thespian experience provided the community he needed to navigate some dark times in his life.
Stacey's Headspace 