Where Movement Becomes My Language 

Even before I knew how to put my feelings into words, I knew how to express them. My first career choice is Dance, because it is the one place where I can truly be myself. Dance is not just about moving my body or stepping onto a stage; for me, it is about telling stories without words.

My love for dance began with my Indian roots, where I first learned Bollywood and Bharatanatyam. Those early lessons taught me that dance is more than movement—it is a way to honor my culture and share the stories I grew up with. I am proud of where I come from, and carrying that part of myself into every performance reminds me how deeply it lives within me.

Moments before a performance, when the lights go out and I take my first step onto the cold stage floor, I get lost in one of the best ways possible—through music. Pirouettes, leaps, and even the smallest tendus make me feel alive in a way nothing else does. Dance is not just something I do for fun; it is how I express who I am when words cannot. Whether performing an upbeat jazz routine or a dark contemporary piece, I want to explore dance in depth—not merely as a hobby, but as a career.

I hope to grow as a performer, learn new techniques such as modern and lyrical dance, and spend my high school years surrounded by peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds who share the same goal. I believe the Dance program at East Brunswick Magnet School will push me to grow not only as a performer, but also as a person. It will give me the foundation I need to pursue my dreams, whether that leads me to study dance in college or enter the professional world and beyond.

My second interest is Theater, which connects closely with dance through self-expression and storytelling. I love how theater brings together teamwork, creativity, and acting. When my classmates and I collaborate to bring a scene to life, each person’s ideas and emotions strengthen the performance and make it memorable. The moment I speak my first line on stage, I feel as though I can be anyone I want to be, free from judgment. Practicing in character feels like stepping into someone else’s life—a feeling I will never forget.

Theater has also helped me build confidence in performing, public speaking, and storytelling. These skills extend far beyond the stage, teaching me how to communicate effectively, carry myself with confidence, and remain calm even when the spotlight feels heavy. These lessons are just as valuable in life as they are in performance.

My third choice is Cosmetology. I enjoy experimenting with my own hair and helping friends with their hair and nails. Learning more about tools, techniques, and trends will allow me to refine my skills. I love how small changes in style can make someone feel more confident. Seeing my friends light up after I help them try a new look reminds me how even simple changes can make someone feel special. The constant evolution of trends and continuous learning is what draws me to this field.

My fourth choice is Business Administration and Management because of the valuable life skills it teaches. Organization, leadership, and planning are significant to me in many aspects of my life. Whether managing a dance studio, coordinating performances, or starting my own business someday, these skills will stay with me for a lifetime. Business allows me to turn ideas into reality while helping others, which motivates me. Learning about finances, leadership, and responsibility will prepare me to be independent and ready for future challenges.

All of these majors reflect who I am today—a person who values creativity, self-expression, and growth. Each one challenges me to explore my talents and discover who I want to become. As I continue to figure out my future, spending my high school years focused on specific career paths will benefit me greatly.

I believe East Brunswick Magnet School is the perfect place to grow my talents, pursue my passions, and begin planning the future I want. I want to take advantage of every opportunity, try new things, and use these years to truly discover who I am becoming.

The lights dim, and for a moment, the world is still. Something I do not always share is that I still get nervous before performing, no matter how much I have practiced. But the moment the music begins, all my fear fades away. Whether I sit in Arimandi or pose in Arabesque, the stage is the one place where I can let go and be myself.

Being part of the MCMS Dance Program will help guide me toward my future career while allowing me to explore new techniques and learn from peers and mentors who share the same passion. Most importantly, it will challenge me to step outside my comfort zone. Through this program, I hope to take the creativity, commitment, and teamwork I already bring to my performances and push myself even further.

Every part of my high school journey will teach me something new about focus and expression—whether learning new choreography or analyzing performances to understand different movements and styles. Dance is not just what I do; it is a part of who I am and who I am becoming.  – SAMAIRA