Emily Carroll

Path to Opportunity

Illusion:

The time had come. Twelve years of dancing at a place that I considered home. I knew the
teachers, dancers, and the facility like the back of my hand. Walking in to the studio felt no
different than walking into my own home. I walked in knowing everyone. No matter the age.
The younger kids, kids my age, and the older girls. Even all the teachers. If you would’ve ever
asked me if I wanted to leave, my head would have shaken side to side with no hesitation.
Seeking out new studios for new opportunities never came to my mind. In fact, that thought
greatly intimidated me. I was scared to take this leap onto new things. I was as scared as a
butterfly flying for the first time. My mom, only wanting the best for me and my dance career,
continued to advise that this decision would be what’s best. But how would she know I would
end up liking a new studio? She didn’t. Thoughts became longer and harder each and every day.
At school, during the day, and at night this choice lingered in my mind. After hours upon hours
of overthinking, I timidly decided I was going to take this next step in my life. One move that
could change so much. All I could think was are they going like me? Am I going to fit in? Am I
good enough to dance with these girls? I could see it already. Walking in on the first day to a
room full of new people and having no one. No one to make jokes with, no one to help me learn
the steps, and no one to sit with during lunch breaks. The night before learning my first dance, I
stayed up all night contemplating whether or not I was making the right decision. My stomach
was in knots. I was preparing myself for the worst. I continually reminded myself ‘It’s ok if they
don’t like you, you’re doing this for what you love most, dance.’ And there I went off to my first
day at my new studio.

Reality:

Pulling up to the new studio was a scary feeling. A feeling I hadn’t ever experienced. Although I
was thirteen, my mom walked me in to see what this place was all about. When I swung open the
main door, I felt like a little girl in their favorite toy store. The studio was huge. Kids filled the
lobby, trophies completely covering the walls, and who seemed to be a nice lady standing right
in front of me. My new teacher, Loni. She opened her arms for the biggest hug and right away I
felt a sense of belonging. She wasn’t who I was most anxious to meet though, the girls were. She
led me into the dressing room for me to be introduced to all of the girls for the first time. I stood
behind her as she announced, “Guys this is Emily, she’s our newest member!” Instantly I knew
this was where I was meant to be as one by one the girls came up to me introducing themselves
and asking all about me. I could see my mom’s face out of the corner of my eye lighting up with
joy as to how welcoming these girls were within the first five minutes of me arriving. Time went
on and I established friendships that now I greatly cherish. It's like I have been here my whole
life. The first day of my new studio the girls made me feel welcomed and loved, and they
continually remind me of what that feels like every single day. Not a day goes by with them
where I feel any less than accepted. From competing at national finals in Orlando to team
bonding activities that happen quite often, we continue to grow closer as a team each and every
day. To this day we all continue to have the same goal. We hope to perform to our fullest
potential every time we hit the stage and to enjoy this time dancing together while it lasts. All
new things start with a choice to make a change. And me making this choice led to something
great. In fact, something extraordinary.

Thematic Analysis:
Don’t be intimidated by change. Often times, it leads you to a new beginning of all new
opportunities.
I showcase two different opinions on the outcomes of change. The illusion is that change may
not always work out and may not result in the best things for you. Many people in our society are
intimidated by the idea of taking this risk when in reality great things could result. People should
be open and accepting to change since it could bring a new beginning of opportunities to your
own life.
My figurative language is used to show the audience why it was so hard to leave from where I
was at. It was a place I considered to ‘home.’ The similes and imagery were used to show how
different the new studio was compared to the old. This displays that even though the two studios
were not similar whatsoever I grew to love the new studio just as much as I did the old.

Word Count: 885