Worksheet #2: Your personal + intellectual autobiography

Svetlana Greeley

Part I: Your intellectual autobiography

Through the years, I have gained knowledge and skills in acting, singing, dancing and stage combat that

shaped me into the person that I am today. I still vividly remember the day that I went to see the Broadway

musical, ‘Mary Poppins’. At 7 years old, it was then that I realized what my dream was – to be up on that stage!

The energy from the actors, orchestra and the audience made it so thrilling and exciting. Soon after, I was

enrolled in acting classes and voice lessons. I always looked forward to these lessons because it brought

happiness to me. I love the fact that I can turn a hobby into a profession.

One of highlights from my acting portfolio was my lead role in “Lost In My Wonderland.” I played Ms.

Rosemary/Rosalia Parsons in this play and I felt like I was engrossed by the character. I prepped for weeks

leading up the play and never hesitated to stay for late rehearsals. Moreover, it was a wonderful experience

working with the cast and crew. They motivated me to work hard in this production and I was inspired by their

hard work as well. This experience taught me that teamwork is very important in the performing arts. In

addition, I learned about the dedication and mentorship that it takes to create a full production like this one.

Another experience that was meaningful to me was Winter Wonderland at Fusion Academy. I worked on many

singing techniques such as harmonies, where to put a breath in a phrase, key changes, runs and riffs and vocal

comps. In addition, I had two duets: one we rearranged and another was originally written and scored as a duet.

Thus, all these experiences have made me fully aware of my love for theater and has prompted my desire to

seek the performing arts as a career.

I can see myself using my platform in the arts to advocate for increased inclusion of people with visible

and invisible disability and health illnesses in the arts. There are some strong influences that helped me to shape

this interest. An example of a very successful artist in the entertainment industry is Ali Stroker. Her disability

has not held her back from playing diverse roles. Another actress is Jameela Jamil who struggles with invisible

health issues. She is very vocal about how she manages her health issues through the ups and downs while

being in the public eye pursuing her career. She encourages others to be open about their own struggles with
physical and mental health issues to erase the stigma about them. They inspire me to continue advocating for

myself and others. Learning does interest me, and it is an important part of growth and development. I feel

passionate about this and have been formulating some ideas to share with others. I have been connecting and

networking with others like me who have invisible health issues and love studying and performing in the arts.

Part II: Identity Wheel

Fill in the wheel below. Put the number for each item in the list in as many boxes on the wheel as are relevant
for you [For example, Gender may have a ‘1’ and a ‘4’]. After filling it in, answer the question below the
wheel.
 3

3 3

1,4,5
3

1,4
1,4

1,4
1,4,5

2
2

Question: Did any of the things listed on the wheel appear in your history? (If you looked at the wheel before
starting—would they have if you hadn't looked at the wheel and this last question?)

Yes some of these appeared on in my history for example, physical, emotional, development disability mainly.