Tate Lauby

First-Year Seminar

Dr. Stella Erbes

21 August 2023

First-Year Seminar Reading

The unknown calling in my life has kept me up at night. Endless hours of sleep deprivation have
spiraled out of control. The ticking time bomb inside my mind then began to search for comfort. This all-
encompassing balm of comfort spawned from that of God. I wondered what he was calling for me to do
with my life. The passion I found in the arts is one I found through him, and this prolonged talent of mine
has seemingly been the answer I have searched for in my desperation of wanting to know my calling.
This gift is one that I knew was available to me when I ventured out wanting to explore new
things, new options, and opportunities. Success was my sacredness in acting, as it was common for me.
Self-gratification was the reward for putting on a show in front of an audience. It allowed me to travel the
world. In addition to it pleasing me, it also satisfied the ones that loved me.
Stan and Shannon (my parents) have always been extreme advocates for me in the realm of my
acting. They have put themselves in financial trouble at the expense of my gift permitting me new
opportunities. Of course, it has been hurtful or perhaps impractical at times for them to be making these
decisions, but at the same time, the will of God was at hand. It became my destiny to change the world in
regards to getting audience members to experience vast emotions. This tethers in the factor of employing
these talents in the eyes and ears of other human beings.
When someone thinks of theatrics and performance, they may get a cute image. But the
juxtaposing reality is that this image is diverse. It can be cruel, unforgiving, daunting, cheerful,
melancholy, all in the same story. Every chance on stage is a place for the actor to make choices, bold
ones. I took this into account for my own reflection on why I appreciate my life and aspiration.
Considering each moment I have taken a choice on stage, happy or sad, I’ve used previous experiences in
my life to factor into that character or scene. I can bring God and my loved ones into the picture and have
a beautiful array of colors painted in my mind of what I want this story to be. The canvas fills up with
splashes of burning red hatred, cheerful sunlight yellow, and the vibrance of hot fuchsia. I began to
realize watching other performers when I sit in the audience that they do the same thing. The moments we
may view as minuscule in our life build up quickly on a foundation. Each actor carries their own story
with them when they portray someone, which is why there can never be two performances acting the
exact same. I thank God for the opportunity of letting me find my expression in the arts and being able to
venture out into the unknown to find myself. Acting is the forever flame of passion I have to please
others, and to please God.
Tate Lauby

First-Year Seminar

Dr. Stella Erbes

21 August 2023