Inspire changed my life. My family moved around a lot, I changed schools a lot, and I was not what you'd call an outgoing person. I never got too involved at school and hadn't made many lasting friendships. What I found in Inspire was a group of staff and students who would become a second family to me. People who would celebrate me for who I was, but still challenge me to keep growing. I started getting involved in school musicals, galas, dance showcases, and so much more! The culture on campus is inclusive, inviting, and exciting. There was no "fitting in" at Inspire, because no matter who you were, we all simply belonged. I am more confident, open-minded, and prepared for the world because of the time I spent at Inspire. I went and got my teaching credentials because I wanted to give other kids the same incredible experience my teachers gave me. If you have even an inkling that Inspire is where you're meant to be, DO IT!! Because, and I mean it, I loved my high school experience, which is not something you hear a lot of people say.

During my junior year, with the incredible help of Mr. White and Inspire students, I recorded my first album, "Sweet Reminiscence" and produced it on CD, Spotify, and Apple Music. The process of writing, developing, and creating a message with my songs was an experience that reaped an incredible amount of gratification. I received comments from people that said they were deeply moved by one song or enjoyed singing along to another. The realization that the songs I write to clear my own mind and help myself process could influence others in the same way inspired me. Knowing I have the power to create something important and healing for people, something with a message, and something artistic gives me a sense of purpose in the world. I am encouraged to continue creating and writing songs that move people and teach them something about themselves.

Inspire School of Arts and Sciences literally saved my education and career. I thought I would never finish high school, let alone go to college as I was homeless for half of my senior year. Inspire worked with me to ensure I completed high school as I struggled with my mental health and homelessness and even helped me apply for Butte College, where I later graduated with two AA degrees in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Psychology. The teachers there gave me hope that I could be more; even when I did not know where I was going to live the very next day. Inspire was a place where I learned to truly be myself, to open up to others, and gave me opportunities to learn a more unbiased education. I was able to learn dance skills, guitar and ukulele, graphic design and photography skills, and social skills that have helped me get out of cycles of homelessness and helped my mental health. I am inspired to help transitional age youth that have struggled as I have. I have been working with differently abled adults, LGBTQ support groups, in mental health, and social services since I was 18. I just graduated Chico State with a Bachelors in Social Work and a minor in Diversity Studies. I will be attending San Francisco state in the fall and will be obtaining my Masters in Social Work with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential with their 2-year program. I firmly believe I would not have gotten this far in life without this high school.

Like many, my draw to Inspire was the dance program. The idea of being able to dance while at school seemed like a dream to me. Just the fact I could take a class in dance in high school felt like I was being listened to- that my love of dance was being recognized as something rational and necessary and not just a hobby. The opportunities I have been presented with from being an Inspire student in the dance program are astounding. To this day I still remember combinations I learned at Radix dance competition. I remember the encouragement from my peers that eventually led to my love of improvisational dance. I remember the feeling of choreographing a 17 minute long ballet in our spring production of Rogers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" as my Senior Capstone Project and just how proud I was. However, the thing I remember most that will stick with me for a lifetime wasn't the dance program by itself- is the integration of Arts and Sciences at Inspire. I will never forget tap dancing in the recording studio to see what microphones would work best on them, just like I will never forget history presentations done in interpretive dance form or my friend's dance inspired by the prevention of global warming. These things among countless examples made me realize that my art of dance was not independent from the world of science or language or music- they are all worldwide expressions. Because of Inspire I have a perspective that few in the dance industry are lucky enough to have.

If it wasn't for the amazing staff that has inspired me and has pushed me to continue what I love to do best, I probably wouldn't even be thinking about having a career at all but the dance program at Inspire is one of the main reasons why I have continued to do what I love and continue my studies in dance.

Inspire propelled me into the musical career that I'm currently pursuing.  It was the first place I sang in front of folks on a stage, where I started my first band, and where I started to writing my own music.  I'm very appreciative of the experiences I've had at this school, and consider myself very lucky I got to attend.