Despite the Fear...

This week wasn't about being fearless - it was about doing things despite the fear. Doing what you normally wouldn't do.
I have never stood up before a group of people and delivered a "speech" before. I was brought in as a special speaker for my alma mater Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi this week to speak about "Breaking Stereotypes in Hollywood". I basically covered my challenges as a Latina actress who has to face numerous stereotypical roles (such as "Maria the maid") constantly. It was an awesome day! I started off visiting a friend of mine at my old high school and talked to them quickly about being a professional actress in Hollywood. They had lots of questions, like do I make a lot of money and live ina big house! HA!
Then I gave a workshop to the Acting majors for the Theater Department about "How to be a Working Actor". They had lots of questions also, but theirs were focusing more about the basics and starting off in a smaller market, like I did (in Austin).
Then it was off to do the speech. I had family and some old friends in the audience for support and was interviewed afterwards by news stations and a documentary filmmaker. I was even asked to speak at a future event for one friend and emcee an awards banquet for another. Then, on my way to the car, I was asked to stop by a class on "Morals and Ethics in Communications" taught by one of my former professors to say hello to his students.
It was a great day all in all.
Another thing I did "despite the fear" was cut my hair. I changed the style pretty dramatically. I have never had it this short, but I did this for my career. If I wanted to be considered for more professional roles, I had to look the part. I like it. It's cute and different. Now I have to get new headshots....great.
And one more thing I am doing "despite the fear" is move out of my incredibly CHEAP one bedroom apartment and into a GREAT 2 bedroom guest cottage. It's more rent, but also more room...and I do believe I will be MUCH happier there. So I'm very excited.
I'm moving in about a month.
New beginnings. Doing things despite the fear. It's all very liberating.
What's next??!! hahah
Actually, on Tuesday I have an audition at an office I have been trying to get into for the past few years! I had auditioned for a small role on a pilot and did horribly about 4 years ago and have been desperately trying to get back in there for a second chance. Now, years later, here it is! My second chance! :) Just have to go in there and book it now!