When I was 18, I made a conscious choice between pursuing Theatre or Business in a formal academic environment. I came to the conclusion that I did not need to be in a formal environment to study theatre – that my passion and interest for the subject was so strong that I would continue to pursue it outside of “the academy” and more importantly…on my terms. I also came to the conclusion, that although very curious about Economics, Finance, and Marketing, if I did not formally study these subjects, I probably would not have the motivation to satiate my curiosity. Therefore, the choice to study Business formally was an easy one to make…and in the end very beneficial since I have been running a not-for-profit theatre arts organization for over 10 years.
 
I had been the Artistic Producer of an independent theatre company for more than seven years; intensely studied Shakespearean text; directed several plays and performed in several more; and worked with costumes, properties, set and lighting design, and sound and lighting operation before I took my first “drama” course, which was ironically enough in Teachers’ College and was more “drama in education” based as opposed to my experiences. All of this lead me to my current employment as an English and Drama teacher which I enjoy greatly (save for the fact that I have to play the role of an authoritarian).  
 
The one thing I try to impart to young people is that if you lead with your passions – that is, what fulfills you as a human – you will be pleasantly surprised where it will lead you. I still pursue my artistic expressions and theatre-related studies on my own terms and it continues to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my existence.