Why Dance Is Important To Me

Even though I grew up in a very small town, I believe that I am a well-rounded person because of the fact that I have been involved in many different groups and organizations throughout my life.  I have the ability to define myself as a person who enjoys the arts, a participant in a variety of different clubs and organizations, and someone who continually strives to grow in their faith.  I can honestly say that my parents gave me a firm foundation and pushed me to experience new and exciting things as I was growing up, so I would be able to discover my passion and find a set of hobbies that would mold and shape me.
At a young age, I discovered my passion for the arts division.  My parents put me in studio dance lessons at the age of four.  I have competed and participated in different dance teams and placed at the state level in high school.  Dance is a huge part of my life, and even though I am no longer a member of a dance team, I still move to the beat of the music when I’m having a rough day.  Dance is not my only escape from a stressful day, music is something that I require in my daily routine because it’s my relaxing and focusing time.  I enjoy playing the guitar, playing the ukulele, and singing.  I have a desire to learn many different

instruments, and I plan to travel and hear all of my favorite artists.
When it comes to being involved on campus and in the community, I can truly say that I have given back and helped those in need.  Last year, I joined a sorority on campus, and I am surprised at how much I have grown as a person through donating and volunteer work.  In my hometown, I was a member of the National Honor Society and performed various community service activities around my city.  I also took part in the Community Kitchen, which is a non-profit organization in my hometown that feeds meals to those who cannot afford their own.  I have worked with my family and friends to prepare those meals and personally served the needy.
I have been raised in a family that values family time.

My family and I did many different things throughout the week together, but the most important family activity was going to church on Sunday mornings.  I grew up in the First United Methodist Church in Monett, Missouri.   I have participated in various mission trips and service days as a member of this church, and I regularly shared my talents through special music.  Throughout all of the obstacles that my family has faced, my church family has been our rock in which they gave their thoughts and encouraging words in times of need.  My faith is a huge part of who I am, and I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the love and support of my church

family.
I am extremely proud to call myself someone who enjoys the arts because it takes a certain type of person to sit and watch a dance recital or listen to a choir concert.  Not everyone can find joy in these types of events, but with all of the activities in Springfield, I would attend a fine art happening in a heartbeat.  As a member of Alpha Chi Omega, I take campus and community involvement very seriously because I think it is important to volunteer for organizations that are trying to make our world a better place.  Taking part in a sorority has helped me grow in this aspect, and I have developed a love for helping others with a group of people who hold the same values.
Each one of these groups definitely has a challenging aspect, but I enjoy the challenge and continue to pursue what I love.  As a Christian, it’s extremely hard to go through college and not fall into temptation.  I surround myself with Godly people to encourage me, so I will make good decisions and stay on track.  As far as biases go, I am not aware of any prejudices towards any of the groups that I associate myself with.  I have never felt discriminated against because of the things that I enjoy or take part in.
Before taking this course, I never really thought about who I am culturally.  When I thought of culture, I thought of different countries or regions and how they differed from my experiences.  I have never picked out the pieces of my own culture and described their meaning in my life.  My goal for this course is to discover my own culture and learn to appreciate the culture and experiences of my peers.  Because Missouri State is a unique and diverse university, I want to try new clubs and organizations on campus and meet new people who are passionate about the groups that they are associated with.  I plan to try new things and discover something about myself that I would have never found otherwise.