My Story This Far

I was born in Ada, Oklahoma, a small town in the southern part of the state, but I was raised mostly in Seminole, a slightly larger town about an hour away. Growing up, it was just my mom and me, as my dad wasn't really a part of my life. My mom did her best to provide for us, but it wasn't always easy, and I often found myself getting into trouble as a teenager.

One of the things I struggled with the most was my relationship with alcohol. I started drinking in high school and, unfortunately, it quickly got the better of me. I was constantly getting into arguments and almost getting into trouble with the law. It was a dangerous and destructive path that I was on, and it took a devastating event to finally make me realize that I needed to make a change.

One of my close friends was killed in a car accident, and it was a wake-up call for me. I realized that I needed to straighten up and fly right if I wanted to have any chance at a happy and successful life. It wasn't going to be easy, but I was determined to turn things around.

I started by focusing on my studies and, eventually, I was accepted to Oklahoma State University. However, despite my best efforts, I ended up flunking out my first year. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I refused to let it defeat me. Instead, I enrolled at Tulsa Community College and threw myself into my theatre studies.

It was at TCC that I truly found my passion and discovered my talent for acting. I spent the next few years immersing myself in the craft, and eventually transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University to finish my degree. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Theatre and felt confident that I was ready to take on the world.

I decided to pursue my graduate studies at the University of Arkansas, but unfortunately, a difficult and toxic relationship derailed my plans. I left school and returned to Tulsa, unsure of what my next move would be.

Despite the setback, I was determined to make a career in the entertainment industry. I started managing a theatre in Sapulpa and even started my own theatre company in Tulsa, called the Actors Company of Tulsa. I was able to work on a few films and other projects, and while it wasn't the easiest or most stable path, I was happy to be doing what I loved.

Eventually, I made the decision to move to Chicago to further my acting career. It was a tough adjustment, but I was determined to make it work. I took a temporary job in the software industry to make ends meet, but I never lost sight of my ultimate goal.

However, things didn't work out as I had hoped in Chicago and, eventually, I found myself moving back to Oklahoma City. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was the right one for me. I needed to start over and rebuild my life.

I was able to find stability and support in Oklahoma City, and even started a family of my own. I took on various jobs to make ends meet, including a stint as a customer service representative. Eventually, I was offered the opportunity to be a high school theatre teacher in Marion, Arkansas. It was a new and exciting challenge, but unfortunately, my marriage didn't survive the move and I found myself moving back to Tulsa to be closer to my children.

Despite the ups and downs, I've always tried to stay positive and focus on my passions. I've learned that life is full of challenges, but it's important to stay resilient and never give up on your dreams. I may not be where I thought I'd be at this stage in my life, but I'm still pursuing my passions and working to support my family. I may not have taken the most conventional path, but I've learned valuable lessons and gained a wealth of experiences along the way.

Looking back on my journey, I'm grateful for all of the challenges and setbacks that I've faced. They've made me stronger and more determined, and have taught me to never give up on my dreams. No matter what life throws your way, there is always a way to bounce back and keep moving forward