Student Blog: Everything Changes, But Some Things Never Change

Hola! Happy New Year, my favorite time of the year has come. Checking in here with you fills me with passion and joy.

One year ago, I started writing here and it's been a journey, huh? I've written from Canada, Mexico in times of uncertainty, in times where I am doing everything and hoping it goes according to its plan, in rehearsals, in opening and closing nights. I've shared new things that I've been discovering, things that I go back to that have been part of who I am since my passion for Musical Theatre started... and today, in the first month of the year, I feel accomplished and more alive than ever.

You know, every time I come here, I have something new to share but at the same time there is a constant; ME!

This Mexican, passionate girl who is writing these words, comes full of presence, embracing whatever she is going through.

Right now, I am in the process of giving the next steps in the direction I want to be leaded, but in every step, I feel accomplished. I feel that every tiny win is a big win.

In the last couple of weeks, a lot of musicals and movies have been coming to the surface, and every time I hear a new song or I watch a new movie, my eyes start tearing up and my heart starts beating fast because I am part of this community, and every day I try to find my way towards it and that makes me feel good.

As I start to get closer, I know that things are not as pink and smooth as I used to see them, but being close to directors, composers, actors and art, I feel that the intention and work to be a better, more inclusive world is there and I feel proud of every tiny step.

Sometimes I feel vulnerable as a Mexican that wants to be an active artist in the Broadway community, and yes, I am experiencing a lot of uncertainty, but I know that it is about an ending goal. I know that I am planting a seed everywhere I go and I feel privileged, because one month ago I was in Canada doing a musical, today I am here writing for the whole BroadwayWorld community. So yes, many things are unclear, many things are uncertain, but the essence, does not change, and that essence is passion, multiculturalism and me being that channel.

I want you to keep with this today and this month and the month after this one:

It may be a New Year, you may be in a different place than one year ago and a different place from where you'll be in one year. Not just a physical place, but in every meaning of the word. But you carry your essence and intention. I invite you to be present in every part of your journey because it is different every moment, many things change, but some things never change.

Thank you for reading me, have a wonderful year. :)

• Claudia Quintero Franco, a Mexican and passionate girl.