2 answers
Natalie
Student
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What practices can one partake in to hold on to, and lead with, their true identity throughout college?
I am about to study drama at NYU Tisch, and my training will challenge me to sit with vulnerable and unfamiliar parts of myself. What can I do to stay grounded and not lose sight of who I am deep down?
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2 answers
Leanne Hayes
Field Marketing
10
Answers
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hey Natalie, what a great question. I cannot directly relate as I have never studied drama but I do remember asking myself a similar question when I studied counselling. To be truly empathetic, I had to put myself in other people’s shoes, which meant exploring vulnerable and sometimes uncomfortable parts of myself. It was a real journey of self-awareness, and I quickly learned how important it was to regularly check in with myself to stay grounded and not lose sight of who I was beneath it all.
As you begin your journey at NYU Tisch, I'd recommend adopting a similar practice. Make time to reflect, whether through journaling, mindfulness, or simply asking yourself, “How am I feeling? Am I staying true to my core values?”
Surround yourself with people who know the real you, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries when the work feels overwhelming. Remember—growth doesn’t mean losing yourself. It’s about expanding while staying grounded in who you are.
Staying self-aware and balanced will help you lead with your true identity, no matter how challenging or transformative your training becomes.
Good luck with your new journey :-)
As you begin your journey at NYU Tisch, I'd recommend adopting a similar practice. Make time to reflect, whether through journaling, mindfulness, or simply asking yourself, “How am I feeling? Am I staying true to my core values?”
Surround yourself with people who know the real you, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries when the work feels overwhelming. Remember—growth doesn’t mean losing yourself. It’s about expanding while staying grounded in who you are.
Staying self-aware and balanced will help you lead with your true identity, no matter how challenging or transformative your training becomes.
Good luck with your new journey :-)
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Natalie !
Congratulations on getting in at NYU to study Acting ! That is super awesome and you'll be getting a great start !
I have had the journey that you're about to embark on and it's not quite clear as to what your concern is. Going to college does not cause one to lose their established identity (what part of your identity are you talking about ?). If you can think of it as expanding your identity while hanging on to your already established identity, it may make you more comfortable moving forward. Part of the wonderful experience about going to college is meeting so many people of very different backgrounds and just as you are developing personal growth, so are they.
People like it when you are your true self, never stop being you. As an acting student, I doubt that you will have to compromise who you are. Acting is being a different character and you probably are familiar with the transformative technique that is. That doesn't mean that you lose yourself. You will also see that theatre students are just like everyone else, they like good times, honesty, and I found that the theatre department where I attended was very non-judgmental. Please try not to worry about that beforehand and if there is a particular issue that you have concern about, definitely return here to ask.
Remember that it's only going to be a two hour drive between where you'll be attending college and your hometown. You will have many opportunities to be with the family and friends that are part of your history and will still be able to go to familiar places. Your major is definitely demanding, so you will experience your own challenges and triumphs which can be said for any career.
As an actress, never compare yourself to others. Never strive to be or do what others do. Do it your way and based on what you've learned and you will be authentic. It's a very unique path developing as an actress and we all do it in our own way, with our own quirks and own barriers to overcome - but it can be done.
As you move on in life, you will always add to your base identity, have many different, exciting experiences and grow as a person. Attending NYU will give you professional and social growth that you'll need as an actress. Try not to be resistant because it will affect your acting - focus on the character, whether it's a scene in class or a full play. Your unique personality gives you the ability to act.
Also remember that each person "takes to acting" based on who they are. You can expect just about anything in Acting. I remember when I was in one show, the Director had us doing Gestalt exercises during rehearsal, LOL. Just remember that one of the biggest requirements of acting is to go with the flow presented by your professors or directors. Even if you are in front of something that you believe is morally or ethically wrong, recognize that and know that you do not have to be around it as an actress. There are many options for various levels of quality as an actress.
There are a lot of supports on the NYU campus. If you feel that you're in a situation that you believe you need counseling for you can go to the Counseling and Wellness Services at NYU as a student for free. Try to air out your concerns there, not within the Theatre Department or your Major Department. You can also call their Wellness Exchange for situational counseling. You do not have to go through it alone.
All things considered, I don't think that you'll have any issues with the concern you've presented here. Take each day as it comes, try not to predict outcomes and enjoy every minute of the valuable training you are about to obtain ! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Congratulations on getting in at NYU to study Acting ! That is super awesome and you'll be getting a great start !
I have had the journey that you're about to embark on and it's not quite clear as to what your concern is. Going to college does not cause one to lose their established identity (what part of your identity are you talking about ?). If you can think of it as expanding your identity while hanging on to your already established identity, it may make you more comfortable moving forward. Part of the wonderful experience about going to college is meeting so many people of very different backgrounds and just as you are developing personal growth, so are they.
People like it when you are your true self, never stop being you. As an acting student, I doubt that you will have to compromise who you are. Acting is being a different character and you probably are familiar with the transformative technique that is. That doesn't mean that you lose yourself. You will also see that theatre students are just like everyone else, they like good times, honesty, and I found that the theatre department where I attended was very non-judgmental. Please try not to worry about that beforehand and if there is a particular issue that you have concern about, definitely return here to ask.
Remember that it's only going to be a two hour drive between where you'll be attending college and your hometown. You will have many opportunities to be with the family and friends that are part of your history and will still be able to go to familiar places. Your major is definitely demanding, so you will experience your own challenges and triumphs which can be said for any career.
As an actress, never compare yourself to others. Never strive to be or do what others do. Do it your way and based on what you've learned and you will be authentic. It's a very unique path developing as an actress and we all do it in our own way, with our own quirks and own barriers to overcome - but it can be done.
As you move on in life, you will always add to your base identity, have many different, exciting experiences and grow as a person. Attending NYU will give you professional and social growth that you'll need as an actress. Try not to be resistant because it will affect your acting - focus on the character, whether it's a scene in class or a full play. Your unique personality gives you the ability to act.
Also remember that each person "takes to acting" based on who they are. You can expect just about anything in Acting. I remember when I was in one show, the Director had us doing Gestalt exercises during rehearsal, LOL. Just remember that one of the biggest requirements of acting is to go with the flow presented by your professors or directors. Even if you are in front of something that you believe is morally or ethically wrong, recognize that and know that you do not have to be around it as an actress. There are many options for various levels of quality as an actress.
There are a lot of supports on the NYU campus. If you feel that you're in a situation that you believe you need counseling for you can go to the Counseling and Wellness Services at NYU as a student for free. Try to air out your concerns there, not within the Theatre Department or your Major Department. You can also call their Wellness Exchange for situational counseling. You do not have to go through it alone.
All things considered, I don't think that you'll have any issues with the concern you've presented here. Take each day as it comes, try not to predict outcomes and enjoy every minute of the valuable training you are about to obtain ! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !