An essay about myself from Freshman year

I am looking through old yearbooks, and reading old journals and essays and having so much fun recapping my life. I found this essay that I wrote about my life in the 3rd person, when I was a freshman in college and it really touched me and reminded me of who I am...

From a Distance

As I walk around my beautiful campus awaiting my next class, I feel as though summer has finished its course, and fall is approaching. I am nervous with anticipation of what the year will bring and who I will be friends with. I wish so much that I can make some genuine friends. As I am walking, a girl about my age suddenly gives me a loud hello. I am startled by her friendliness, unsure how I should respond. I have never met her before, but she treats me like we have known each other forever. She smiles a warm smile and continues in her direction. I feel compelled to watch her because she really affected me with her friendly greeting.

She has a certain air about her that makes her seem happy and optimistic about the future. Her smile never fades as she says hello to each person she comes in contact with. I see her stumble on a step but laugh it off and continue smiling. She has an ability not to dwell on small things. A friend sits down with her, and they talk for a while in what appears to be a deep conversation. Friends approach her for hugs and joke around with her as she makes silly faces at them. Her deep brown eyes light up as she makes them smile and laugh. People are drawn towards her and ask for advice, and she truly listens as they vent their feelings.

Her hair is long, blonde, and flowing. She looks athletic, and her body seems strong. Her style is classy yet hip and shows she respects her body. She is of average height, and her walk tells me she is filled with determination and is on a mission. Her head is held high, and her pace is fast. She seems determined and focused to go to her next class, and I can tell she wants to learn as much as she can.

Later in the day I sit down for lunch, and she comes along side me to ask if she may join me. I wonder why she would even think to ask but realize maybe she is not as confident as she appears. She has a very healthy lunch, and when I make a comment about it, she goes on to tell me how she is very health conscience because her dad suffered from a mild heart attack. I am in shock. She explains that he is fine now and goes on to tell me about her knowledge of nutrition. I am surprised by how open she is about many different subjects. She asks how I am, and I can tell she really wants to know. She does not hide behind a mask or try to make herself seem bigger than she really is. She explains what her weaknesses are and what classes she will really need to work hard in. All of a sudden she pulls out a list that says “Things to Do” with her whole agenda for the day. I laugh at it but wish I could be that organized. She says she does not want to miss anything and likes to make sure she stays on schedule.

As we talk a little longer, she tells me about her home. She is from Connecticut, which is three and a half hours away. Her family is really close, and she misses them a lot. She has two older brothers, one at college, and one who now works. I see a tear in her eye, but she quickly changes the subject and begins to talk about her obsession with “I love Lucy.” We laugh as we recall funny episodes and then she asks me if I would like to go get coffee with her. I am reluctant at first, but she says “my treat”, and of course I decide to go.

It has only been a little while that I have been here, but I think I am going to love it. I already met Nicole D’Onofrio, and I think she may be my first genuine friend.

Christmas and Family

I loved Christmas Eve and Christmas this year! I am 100% Italian so good food is always a given but sometimes the holidays can be boring once you run out of stuff to talk about with family. This year I was determined to get the most out of Christmas.


My mom showed me how to make manicotti and I helped her out a bit, but she cooked so much food from stuffed Shrimp, which we always have as a tradition on Christmas Eve, to filet mignon, to manicotti, to cheesecakes, etc. Everything came out great! On Christmas Eve, my family and I went to mass at St. Peter's Church and the children acted out the story of Jesus' birth. It was really cute and they even had a real lamb there.


Then we went to my Aunt Barbara's house. When we got there, I saw one of my distant cousins' whom I hadn't seen in a while. We instantly connected over music and talked for a long time about it. He is in a band whose music is so diverse and interesting. You can hear it at...http://www.myspace.com/abrainonheadphonez It was really cool to learn from him and hear his perspective on the music industry and what styles of music he liked and what he liked to play.


I then talked with more cousins and made them laugh with all of my stories about my princess jobs. They said I should be a comedian.


I then talked with my great uncle John who said "you don't meet many girls with a personality like yours anymore" He said that I had a gift and he has been in the wine business as a salesman for many many years. He said I should become a wine saleswoman.


My other cousin was my orthodontist growing up and he said that I need to do a testimonial for him about how far my smile has taken me in my life.


It was so funny to hear everyone's perspective about me and all the visions they had for my life.


Then my aunt's friend taught us this new card came called Golf, which was really fun. On Christmas Day, my family and I exchanged gifts but I was just happy to be with my family at home. I miss them a lot and all of the laughs we have, so it was really great to just be with them. I did miss my grandma though because she was celebrating Christmas with my uncle in Las Vegas.


Christmas day, all of my relatives and I played Scattergories. It was so fun and we all laughed so hard as my Great Aunt didn't realize that you couldn't pick any letter you wanted for words and for sports star, she put down Convertible. We all yelled so much about whose answers counted that I lost my voice a little. I hadn't laughed that hard in a while.


I felt that this holiday had more laughs this year and that made it so fun and memorable. Christmas is about Jesus' birth and love. I loved being with family and recognized what I loved about each person in my family. Everyone has flaws or things that bother everyone about everyone but there are also things about everyone that make them so special and I couldn't imagine what my life would be like if that wasn't shared with me.

Running into people...

I love spontaneity. I think it is so interesting how we can try to plan our days or even our lives and then the unexpected can happen. My friend Sean and I made ginger bread houses when I got home. It is something we love to do around Christmas time. We went to the grocery store at like 8pm and of course we ran into people. We call Stop & Shop the mall because you always see people you know.


We must have looked like we were on an eating binge or something with all the candy that we had in our hands. We ran into two people we knew and it was such a weird feeling because I felt that although I knew both of the people we ran into, I had to search through my mind for all of the memories that I had with them.


Now that I have lived in New Jersey for four and a half years, I have so many memories with so many people there, that it can be hard to think back to my high school or middle school or elementary school days and the memories that I had with people here. Sometimes when I come back to Connecticut, I find myself thinking I see someone from New Jersey because they have a similar resemblance and then I have to remind myself that I am in Connecticut.


The other night I went to a bar with my friend Jenny and we ran into an old friend from high school and it was so fun to talk with her. It is amazing how we can be apart from people for such a long time and still be able to pick up right where we left off or have things in common. She introduced us to more people and we all instantly clicked.


There are so many people in this world and I think it is amazing how you can cross paths with someone and it could be years before you cross paths again but I believe that everything happens for a reason.

Hear the beat of dancing feet...

I arrived home to Connecticut for the Holidays on Monday and on Tuesday, I went to tap dance with my brother's fiancee, Kate. She teaches tap at Stage Left Dance and Fitness Center in Middletown, CT. She offered to give me some free lessons. She graduated from Emerson college for dance and theater education and is an amazing tap dancer. She has inspired me so much throughout the years.


I had not tapped in a while so I was nervous to see her and start tapping. When I got there, we went over basic warmups and she kept telling me that my ankles were too tight. I tried not to get frustrated and kept on trying. As we worked more and more, she reminded me of simple concepts that I was forgetting and of the right technique and soon I felt more in the flow with it. She taught me to breathe with the flow of my tapping as well, which really helped.


She then taught me some choreography. It was so fun to learn a whole dance to music. At first, it was tricky remembering every step, but soon, I had it down and even added my own style to it. I kept wanting to perfect it, but realized we had already been dancing for two hours straight and probably should get going.


It was so amazing how muscle memory really kicked in. I started playing piano when I got home as well and hadn't played in a while, but once I practiced a little, I was able to pick up where I left off. I think it is so cool how the things you learn never leave you but sometimes you just need to polish them a little when they start to get rusty...

NYC

New York at Christmas time is so beautiful. The other day I went into New York City for the day with my friend Ben. When we arrived, we purchased tickets for Ragtime and while waiting in line, we saw Cynthia Nixon, of the popular show and movie, Sex and The City, standing in line in front of us. Ben made a comment about the music playing and she just turned and made a quick comment back but we did not want to bother her by asking for her autograph or pictures or anything.


When I was young, I used to get so awe struck by famous people, but now that I have grown up and was around amazingly talented people throughout college, I have realized that they are just people. I have seen a lot of famous people on my travels to NY now such as Vincent D'Onofrio, Haley Joel Osment, Pete Wentz, Sutton Foster, etc. It is exciting to see them but sometimes you know that they just want to be left alone.


While we were in NY, we had dinner with our good friend, Russell Fischer. He is in the musical Jersey Boys on Broadway and plays the part of Joe Pesci but is also the understudy for Franki Valli. He went to our college, Westminster Choir College, for musical theater, as well. It is amazing that even though he is on Broadway, he is still the Russell I know. He is such a talented, gracious, wonderful person. We ate thai food with him and then he gave us a tour of the theater and we saw how the sets are brought in during the show and his dressing room. He had to run to perform and we had to run to go watch Ragtime. As we walked out of the theater, after Ragtime was over, he was there waiting for us and bought us drinks at a local bar. It was a lot of fun. You can read more about his journey here...http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20080918/LIFE/809180348/Jersey-boy-joins-the-cast-of-%5C-Jersey-Boys%5C-


I love seeing people's dreams come true and that is what I wish for everyone I encounter in my life. I have been blessed with accomplishing a lot this year and every small step makes the difference but it is people like Russell who make me believe that anything is possible.

Elfing around town

This weekend I got a chance to be like a character in one of my favorite movies, ELF. I was an Elf at three Christmas parties. I was supposed to be an Elf at another party but due to the snow, I could not go. It was an interesting experience.


The first party that I went to was at an office of a movie theater company. I walked in with a Santa that I had never met before and I handed out candy canes from the North Pole to all of the children and asked them their names. The Santa that I worked with was actually a stand up comedian and this was just his side job. The children were all making their own elf hats, which looked a lot like mine. Then Santa read them The Night Before Christmas and we both led them in Christmas Carols.


I then made balloon animals for them and gave them Christmas tattoos, while they told Santa their Christmas wishes and he gave them all presents. It was really nice to watch them open their gifts and see their excitement.


It made me miss being a little kid and believing in Santa and being soooo excited for presents. I remember my great uncle used to pretend he was an elf and had a connection to Santa. I would look at him in amazement because he knew all the stuff that I was slacking with, such as cleaning my room or fighting with my brothers. Now I was in his shoes.


I discovered that Moxie Girls, Nerf guns, Zhu Zhu pets, ipods and real ponies are the toys that kids really want this year.


My next party was at a Golf Club. It was so cute to see the little kids look at me in awe. They were extra careful to be on their best behavior. After that party, I went to a party at a firehouse. They brought in their own Santa, who I never would have believed was real, but maybe the kid's did. He made so many jokes to the children and the children seemed afraid to be on his lap. I remember being so scared of Santa as a kid. This party was really fun because I got to sing with the kids. I led them in about five Christmas Carols and then did face painting of mistletoe toe and snowmen and candy canes on their faces. It was funny because the firemen wanted pictures with me instead of the kids.


I was having so much fun in my elf costume, that one of my best friends, Ben, and I walked around Princeton while I was in my costume. We went to Bon Apetit, Dunkin Donuts, and the bank. A little girl came up to me while I was at Dunkin Donuts and told me she wanted an American Girl Doll for Christmas. Then while I was walking through town a lady yelled "There's the Elf" When I went into the bank, one of the ladies that worked there asked me about my job and said I always look so happy when I come into the bank.


It was so nice to actually really spread Christmas Cheer. Sometimes my job can be really stressful, getting all dressed up and driving to unknown places, or driving through snow but nothing can replace making a child smile.


I have attached a video to help you get a feel of what my weekend was like...

Travelin Woman

I have become a "travelin woman" this week. Again, I apologize for the long hiatus of invisible blogs. I work basically every day and had a few days off and wanted to do something really fun. I am a go getter and love adventures and am always seeking excitement. One of my best friends from college now goes to grad school for voice in College Park, Maryland. She suggested that I come and visit.

I was unsure if I should, knowing the drive was really long from NJ. I knew my parents would not want me putting wear on my car or driving for hours but I really wanted to visit her and change my scenery for a little while. I left on Tuesday morning, after I did my favorite Zhumba class, of course. I stopped at a Dunkin Donuts in Delaware on the way for a coffee and it was really cool to see different sites as I was driving.

When I arrived in College Park, Maryland, I was greeted by Bridgette's friendly face and she took me through to her apartment. There was an area for all the tenants which had cookies and coffee and couches for anyone to stay in at your service 24/7. I was amazed by that and her apartment was beautiful and her roommates were really cool.


We went and got our nails done and then went to a party with the other voice majors she studies with. It was fun to meet new people.


The next morning, we wanted to do something really fun. We were going to go to Washington, D.C but then decided to look up Christmas events around the area. We came across George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens (http://www.mountvernon.org/). It was in Virginia. They had a bunch of special things at it for the holidays. We also came across an ice festival and holiday event at Gaylord Hotel in Maryland (http://www.gaylordhotels.com/).


At Mount Vernon, we learned about chocolate in George Washington's day and how they made hot chocolate. Children were not allowed to have hot chocolate. It was only for Adults but they would give children watered down ale to make them sleep. Things seem to have reversed today.


There was also a Camel at Mount Vernon, named Aladdin and there a Gingerbread house that was made to look exactly like the estate. We saw the view of the Potomac River that George woke up to as well as viewed his 21 room estate. It was amazing to be walking around where he had once walked and lived. He was such a great man and did so much for our country and I really grew to truly appreciate him after being there.


The ice sculptures were really amazing that we went to at the Gaylord Hotel. They had a water fountain that danced to Christmas carols and a tree that lit up and fake snow that fell on us. Right next to the hotel was an ice exhibit. It had sculptures of everything from penguins to a sleigh to angels to Jesus in the manger. It was remarkable that all of this stuff could be carved out of ice in such detail. It was only 9 degrees where we were so they gave us blue coats to wear over our own coats. It was really fun and helped me really get into the Christmas spirit.


I voyaged back home to New Jersey that night, after being in Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland and felt like I had really learned so much just from stepping away from New Jersey for a little while.
I think it is super important to travel because it helps you to be more cultured and to get a different view of life and maybe even be inspired.







You may see my pictures from my trip here...http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2083477&id=24303602&l=156f404843

People come in and out of your life for a REASON

Today was such an interesting day. I woke up and was really tired, after staying up way too late and had to be a clown for a party. The party was at this Indian palace, which was amazing, called Royal Albert's Palace. I was amazed at the place when I pulled up. I felt like I was actually at a Royal Palace. After the show, the family made me eat some of the Indian food and told me all about it. It was cool to feel so immersed in a different culture.


After the show, I asked a girl from my acting class if she wanted to hang out today. We had been wanting to hang out outside of acting class because we never really get to talk much in the class and she had a lot of questions for me about my acting experience. She said we should go Christmas Shopping.


After coming home and taking off all of my clown makeup, I met up with Sasha, the girl from acting class, at the mall. We chatted about small stuff and shopped a little but I had so much to talk about that I felt unfocused with my shopping. I suggested we go get dinner at the diner. Sasha had to get home but decided she could spare a little time to talk. As soon as we got to the diner, I was greeted by my regular waiter with a smile. He knew I was a regular and treated us extra special. As Sasha and I talked, the time kept on passing and we kept finding so many similarities in our lives. It was amazing. She told me that the things I said were things she really needed to hear. We kept opening up more and more about our lives and it was almost scary as to how similar our upbringings really were. It turned out to be such an uplifting and incredible conversation.


Isn't it crazy how people can come into our lives and you can feel as if you knew them forever or they can say something that you've been really needing to hear? I believe God speaks to us through people and you never know who that person may be...

Alone

Today I realized something. I have been feeling lonely a lot lately. Everyone I talk to who has graduated seems to feel in the same boat. I feel like I have been trying to cling to friendships, family, business, anything to make me feel never alone.

Then yesterday my eyes were opened. I realized that being alone is a good thing. It is a time to get to know yourself better. We really are our own best friend and are the only person that is always in our lives besides God. The more you know yourself, the more you can give to the world. I realized that their is so much creativity that I have inside that I want to share but I need to take the time to explore that and my thoughts and pour my heart and soul into that.


I have felt trapped by facebook and text messaging and a need to be in the know of everything around me but I have forgotten what it feels like to feel truly inspired and to have a flow of creativity pouring from your soul.


Independence can be an extremely freeing, inspiring thing and can help you to see things you have never noticed before. It has been hard, graduating from school and being separated from the friends who were always around and constant people. I think that everyone feels alone a lot in life and if you wait around for people, you will always feel alone but if you take the time to explore all of your own creative energies, you will have so much more to share with people.


I feel that I have soooooooooo much that I want to share with the world and so many people that I want to let know that they never have to feel alone. Times can be hard these days and we can get super negative or down about ourselves but that is no way to live because you never know if today is your last day to live. So take the time to love everything about yourself, even your flaws, and share your creativity with the world :)!

I Never Forget a Face

Yesterday something really cool happened. I was doing my grocery shopping at Shop Rite and I saw a lady stocking the shelves. She turned to me and I felt like I knew her but I did not know why. Then I had a flashback to when I was living in the dorms at Westminster Choir College. She used to clean the bathrooms all the time and I used to speak Spanish with her. I always asked how she was doing and thanked her for cleaning the bathrooms. So I said to her, "Did you used to work at Westminster?" She told me yes and I asked her if she still worked there. She did not understand, so I said "Solo Shop Rite?" Si, she replied. I have not seen her since my sophomore year of college so it was exciting to see her smiling face.


I am terrible with names but I will never forget a face and you never know where the people you meet in life may meet you again...

Instant Family

This weekend, I was Cinderella at three parties. When I awoke in the morning, I was not looking forward to entertaining at the parties, knowing that a big snow storm was on its way.


When I got to the first party, it was for an Indian family at an Indian restaurant. I arrived early and the had me wait 15 minutes to start the show but in that time, they were so friendly and all of the kids asked me a million questions. They were so in awe that "Cinderella" was at their party. They wanted to know if I was friends with all of the other princesses and what they were like and if they always wore the same clothing. They wanted to know the name of the prince. They wanted to know how I got to the party. They wanted to know if they could help me with anything.


This one girl at the party, had so much light shining through her. She never stopped smiling and looked at me as if she was looking through me. It was something I had never seen before. She was just in such awe.


As I was leaving, the family all asked for my business cards and said that I had to take a plate of food before I left. I thanked them but said I unfortunately couldn't because I was in a rush to the next party.


I just wanted to stay at the party but I had to go. It really amazed me how I could instantly feel as though I was part of their family and as if I knew all the kids so well after 1 hour of a show. I am so culturally different from them but felt so welcomed and accepted. All the girls kept saying "Cinderella, Cinderella!" and it was amazing how they could feel so much joy from a character.


At the next party, I was running a little late but the family welcomed me in without any sense of concern that I was late. There were 40 kids at this party but I just started my show and watched them instantly become engaged and excited. As the party went on, the snow started coming down harder and people wanted to go home. The mother asked if I could shorten the show and showed such concern for me getting home safe in the bad weather. She said I must need an Advil from all the kids and even gave me water and cake. It was amazing how even though I was the one they were paying to do a show and who they had hired, they truly cared about how I felt. It made the day really worth while.


The next day I was Cinderella in South Jersey and was concerned to go in because I did not see any cars in the driveway. When I walked into the house, the mom explained that the party was not going to be big but that all her 3 year old daughter wanted for the party was to see the princesses from Disney World. The little girl did not get to see Cinderella when they went on a trip to Disney World so she knew that was the one she wanted to see the most. The mother explained that she did not even think that it was possible to have a Disney princess come to your house and was going to dress as one herself but then found me on the site, www.njpartyentertainment.com


As the show started her older brother said, "I don't like Cinderella so I don't like you". I brushed it off and asked him his name. As the show went on, he was more into it than anyone and asked if he could be my prince. The family took so many photos with me and even with their family dog. The parents wanted tattoos and balloon animals too and had regular conversations with me. They asked if I wanted pizza and I politely told them that I was all set.


I started off not wanting to work but ended up loving it. It amazes me how many families I have instantly connected with and how in a mere hour, I could feel as though they are my family, having not known them prior. That is my favorite part of the job. Speaking of family, I just received photos from when I was a mom in the last independent movie I was in. You may see them here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2083007&id=24303602&l=456d86c09b


I believe we make families in a lot of places that we don't always realize, whether it is a family of students in a class, fitness enthusiasts in a gym, people in our work environments that we work with every day, room mates, or friends and their families. Where do your families live? You may be surprised at how many you really have...

A card

PROMISE yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your PEACE of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your OPTIMISM come true. THINK only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the BEST. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the FUTURE. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the FAITH that the whole world is on your side as long as you are TRUE to the best that is in you.
-Christian D. Larson
I had to post that because it is on an old card that I got that is taped above my computer. I look at it often and it keeps me inspired.

Teach for America

A friend of mine from high school made a video on teach for america and her experience in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is doing remarkable things each and every day. Please check out the video, and if you like Chelsea's (and I am confident you will), please vote by first joining the group (there should be a yellow link above the video) and then click "love it" below.

http://www.youtube.com/group/tfashowandtell

Her's is called Miss Chelsea's Super Scholars

Good Health

I am sorry to all of my blog readers out there for my lack of blogging. One thing I really hate is getting sick. Although I am a pretty positive person, that is the other thing that can turn me negative. I tend to always get sick when I slow down, so of course, over my short Thanksgiving break, I got sick. I am slowly getting over it now though. No worries, it was not swine flue, just the common cold with some sleepiness and plenty of congestion.


Having the common cold makes me not want to do anything, from talking on the phone, to seeing anyone, to blogging, to working, to singing, to leaving my bed, so hence the lack of blogs. I realized while being sick, how important it is to stay healthy. I tried every remedy to get better from drinking tea with ginger, to taking DayQuil, NyQuil, and Mucinex, to using a neti pot, to drinking Emergen-C, to sleeping, to getting a new toothbrush, to exercising, to drinking a ton of water, and still I remained sick. A lady even told me to boil coca cola and put ginger in it and drink it...I was tempted to try it, but didn't.


One semi positive thing being sick made me do was really evaluate myself. It made me realize that I need to get more sleep, slow down once in a while and relax, not drink so much caffeine, have more fruits and vegetables, and avoid people who are sick ha ha.


The point of my blog is that it is important to try our hardest to be at our optimal level of health and stay balanced. We need sleep and relaxation but we also need exercise and good nutrition but we also need to have fun and also need to work. It is important for everyone to figure out how to do that for themselves in the right doses in order to stay balanced and healthy.

I have decided to stop popping the DayQuil and NyQuil pills now, especially since I am odd and still need to put them in some type of food in order to swallow them, and am going to stick to the natural healing method of tea and sleep, so on that note...until next time...zzzz