I Am Not Your Average Girl

My name is Marissa Galin, and I am not your average girl. I am strong-willed, driven, and passionate about what I do. I enjoy working in the arts, and I enjoy working with people. I enjoy work far more than anyone I know. I feed off of the success and enlightenment I receive for every job well done. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, with my parents and my younger brother. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, whether it is visual, musical or performance. Even when I was little, I was a ham in front of the camera. Now I like working behind the scenes as well as in the limelight. I know that my determination, poise and experience will take me exactly where I want to go with my career.

I am a woman, an artist, a technician, an actor, a musician, a writer, a student, a daughter, a lover, a sister, a friend. I am an extroverted, sensing, thinking, judging human being. I am constantly changing—whether physically, mentally or spiritually. I value knowledge and truths greatly, and I struggle with theories and speculation. I value perspectives and thought, from others and my own. I am strongly aware and observant, and I do not like to be sheltered. That is who I am. My goal is to abolish the barrier between who I am and who I want to be. I have pushed myself to limits I never thought possible; I am achieving my dreams because I am working for them. I am never going to let myself believe that something I want can’t happen. Everyone has the power to create his or her own destiny. I believe that no one should be held back by fear of rejection or failure. Failure is growth, but it’s not the end; it is the fuel that can be used to work towards greater things.

I have only lived a small portion of my life, but these beginning years are crucial to shape who I will be in the future. I know I am going to change. I know hard times are ahead. I know that my future holds greater experiences than I can imagine. I have never been more excited to wade out of the shallow waters of the home that I know and love and dive into the deep, dark waters of the world and explore.

I know that CalArts is exactly where I need to be to achieve my dreams, and I am beyond excited to be here. I am excited for the opportunities that will be presented to me in these next few years, and I hope to pursue both Stage Management and Technical Direction in my time here. As stubborn and determined as I am, I know what I can handle and I know what is best for me. I only hope to convince those who dictate my education that this is true.