Back On The Island Again

I'm finding it ironic that I'm living back on Mercer Island again. When I moved here the first time, I knew that it would be just for a year...my senior year of high school, until I could leave for college.

Just a few days after finishing my junior year, we moved from Marin County, California to Mercer Island, Washington. "Sleepless In Seattle", "Singles", Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder were all the rage so my friends thought it wasn't all bad that I was moving to the birthplace of Grunge. My parents came up ahead of time to find the best place for us to live. Their top priority, find a great community with an excellent school district and Mercer Island was it. I was mortified. I had such a great group of friends that had been with me since elementary school. It seemed like the worst thing that could ever happen to me at the time.

The moment we arrived in Seattle, I realized that I had a very clear choice...make the best of the situation or be miserable.

A few adults warned me that Mercer Island was a tight knit group who wouldn't be accepting of new kids. Can you imagine adults saying that to a kid? I chose to ignore them. Making the best of any situation is what I am all about, so that was exactly what I did.

Before we moved from California, I had been actively involved in a local youth theater there. The last role I played there, before we moved, was "Dorthy" in "The Wizard Of Oz". Once on Mercer Island, I quickly discovered Youth Theater Northwest and the first role I played there was as "The Scarecrow" in "The Wizard Of Oz". I still find it ironic that Seattle is called "The Emerald City".  

I acted in as many plays as I possibly could that senior year. What an amazing organization. gave me an outlet to express my creativity, and to feel the support of a community who reminded me that I could succeed in whatever I set my mind to. I know that I made the best of every moment during that year and made some amazing friends.

Since recently moving back on the Island, I've decided to accept an invitation to volunteer at Youth Theatre Northwest on the Board of Directors. It's amazing to see how it has grown, providing even more opportunity for children of all ages to have their very special moment in the spotlight.

Youth Theatre Northwest will be holding auditions for their fall line up September 6th - 8th. Call YTN at 206-232-4145 or check out their website for upcoming classes at www.youththeatre.org. Youth Theater Northwest is a non-profit organization, relying on support from our community. Check out www.youththeatre.org/support/ for more information.