Where this whole thing came from

[beandelphiki]

For some reason, one of abalorn's posts reminded me of something.

Several weeks ago, I was in a Chapters. (That's a book store, for anyone not familiar with it.) I guess I was on my way to see a movie, or I had just come from a movie...whatever.

I ran into a second-year actor from our program! Yeah, Christy. (Not sure how you spell that, so I'll go with the most likely option.)

She's graduated the program and she's working at Chapters over the summer. We said hi and chatted for a bit before I asked her what's she's going to be doing now.

I don't remember her giving me a definite response; I just remember that the question set her off. She ranted a bit about the program before she told me this:

"[Our theatre program] totally ruined acting for me. I never want to act again."

I sort of gaped and said something along the lines of, "are you serious?" Yes, yes - she's never acting again. She's going to do something else.

I was pretty horrified. I mean, she had plans to be a drama teacher during the school year. She didn't say anything about that, so I don't know if she's still going to do that or what. But the point seems clear that she doesn't want to attempt professional theatre anymore.

I didn't know what to say. I mean, it's her choice and everything. But what a waste...to spend two years studying something you'll never use again? (Especially if you're paying for it yourself...)

It just made me really think about what I'm doing. That's all. I don't want that to be me.