Performing on stage in front of a live audience was a dream that I thought I would never realize. However, after spending years at the home of my neighbor Ms. Ellen, it became obvious that such a dream was well within my reach. When I was in third grade, I noticed that many of the older children in my neighborhood often visited the home of Ms. Ellen, a retired teacher. My mother was not comfortable with me spending a large amount of time in the company of older children; however, Ms. Ellen convinced her that my engagement with the children who visited her home would be fine, and she promised to watch over me. As a shy child Ms. Ellen brought out the best in me, encouraging me to pursue my dreams. One day Ms. Ellen had all the kids perform