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Angela LaRose

Senior Seminar

Patrick Mulcahy

6 December 2019

Mission Statement

“To create a world of security by accepting myself and others and paying love forward.”

In the exercise preparing to write my mission statement, little me asked for safety,

security, and unconditional love. As I examined the major aspects of my life from childhood

until now, it was undeniable that these needs have always been a part of me. Although I have

never been told this by a professional, I believe that I may suffer from a bit of separation anxiety.

From about the third grade until today, I have especially exhibited this feeling of anxiety in

relation to my parents and the thought of permanently being separated from them. This, of

course, became an obstacle for me to overcome as I came to college. The creation of a

community here within the theatre department was extremely instrumental in allowing me to feel

a sense of security and safety without the two people who were constant pillars of security for

me my whole life. If it had not been for the community I found here, I think my anxiety would

have prevented me from fully immersing myself in all the wonderful opportunities this university

has presented me. I have always felt at home and safe at DeSales. I have gained the support,

love, and security of a second family without ever feeling like I was being separated from my

biological family.

My experiences at DeSales have also impressed upon me the importance of accepting and

loving myself first. While I am continually working towards full self-love and self-acceptance, I
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have learned that for me, very little is possible without this sense of self-security. My college

experience has taught me a lot about the importance of self-acceptance, both in my craft and in

my personal life. I have learned to trust myself and my abilities, and while I do still struggle with

this more than I care to admit, I believe that my self-acceptance has grown greatly in my four

years here. This is largely due to the positive reinforcement I have received from both my peers,

teachers, and mentors who constantly pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of,

mentally and physically, and continuously picked me back up when I felt I could go no further. I

want to make a difference in the lives of others by paying this same love forward and being part

of the team that pushes others forward and rises with them when they fall. A certain level of self-

reflection has been necessary for me to make the personal growth that I have made in the last

four years, however, I aim to create and to be part of an accepting community of human beings

that shares the love, support, and security of a family. My goals and aspirations, personally and

professionally, would mean very little to me without a family or community of loved ones to

share them with.