My start by Briana

My start by Briana - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

Ruthie Singleton, my music teacher at Singleton Academy, has been one of the most impactful mentors in my life. Under her guidance, I performed in countless shows, each one pushing me to grow as a person and a performer. She made me believe I could do things I never thought I was capable of.
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was stage fright. Every time I stepped on stage, I was filled with nerves and self-doubt, wondering if I could actually pull it off. But Ruthie was always there, encouraging me and helping me work through my fears. I remember when I was struggling with the high note in “Take me to the king”. I was so frustrated and ready to give up, but Ruthie wouldn’t let me. She worked with me step by step, cheering me on until I finally nailed it. That moment was huge for me, it showed me I could do more than I ever thought possible.
Ruthie didn’t just teach me how to sing or act—she taught me how to believe in myself. Her patience and support gave me the tools to face not just the stage but any challenge that comes my way. Thanks to her, I’ve learned that real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. The lessons I’ve learned from her will always encourage me to never forget how I should go about thinking about hardships and how nothing is impossible.