Growing up in a small town meant that my education had some strong restrictions because of the lack of school funding in rural areas. I had never really been exposed to theatre while I was in school because my school never had a program for it, I was robbed. However, my mom did make good use of other forms of performance that were available in our small town. I grew up doing a number of different types of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

            When I was in the 6th grade, Mrs. Smith, who doubled as a Spanish/Homeroom teacher, offered the first and last theatre class of my years of education. The name of the play was Sis! Boom! Bah!, and I still remember a number of the songs that were performed, almost thirteen years later. Much love for Mrs. Smith, she opened my eyes to the fun of theatre.

            I started college as an English major and had pursued that for three years when I chose to change my major to Theatre. The reason I made this choice was because, after taking a few theatre classes, I realized how much enjoyment came out of performing theatre. I learned that theatre is a positive creative outlet, and witnessed the power that it has in opening people up socially. My current major is Theatre emphasizing in both Directing and Pedagogy, I also carry a minor in English Discourse Theory.

            My ultimate goal after graduation is to teach High School Theatre. I have always known that my calling was in teaching. I am looking forward to having a job that is going to make me want to get out of bed in the morning. I want to share the fun that I have doing theatre with other students. I think that it is positive in a number of ways. Theatre allows people to break out of their shells. I remember how much taking Acting I helped me to be open and not afraid to be goofy in front of others. I also think it is a great way for people to learn how to work as a group, as theatre's success is dependent on collaboration. There is much to gain from theatre and I can't wait to bring that to other people.

            As of right now, most of my hobbies revolve around my new son, Ehryn Joe Diaz. Having a newborn baby while reaching the end of my college education is a juggle to say the least, but I enjoy the time I spend with him teaching him new aspects of life. Eating from a spoon, sitting on his own, holding a bottle; all things that I cherish being able to witness. Other than my son, I like to watch a good movie, or socialize with my family or friends. I work on shows as much as possible and really enjoy doing prop work. I sometimes joke with my partner, Eddie, about doing it full-time one day, owning a number of warehouses filled with junk. He doesn't seem to be as enthused about it as I am. BACK