Hi I’m Shaun! I was born and raised in Bourne, Massachusetts, which is a small town on Cape Cod. I spent my time growing up loving the ocean and being outside. I have such an appreciation for nature. It’s the things that most people take for granted that I truly appreciate the most. I am most content when I am with my friends chilling on the grass on a gorgeous day. It can’t get much better than that!
Growing up was certainly a challenge for me. When I was little I struggled with severe anxiety. Anxiety so bad that I couldn’t go to school most days. I was so afraid that something was going to happen to my mom and those thoughts and fears triggered that anxiety. Also the fear of bullies as I was bullied up until my junior year of high school.I struggled with it for years. In 3rd grade there was this production happening called “All-Star Revue” which was a collection of famous clips from Broadway shows put on by the 3rd and 4th graders. I wanted to be a part of it so bad, I just did not think my anxiety would allow it. I ended up doing the show and boy am I happy I did. After taking that final bow I knew theatre was going to be a part of my life forever.
I would not change my childhood at all. Working through my anxiety made me stronger and it made me more in touch with who I am as a human being and more importantly being proud of who I am as a human being. I am now a confident guy who is ready to take on any challenge the world wants to throw at me. I am so lucky that I have a family who supports me and loves me so much. I am so grateful for them. More than they could ever know.
My four years in college felt like a never ending rollercoaster ride. Picture yoruself riding the Rockin' Rollercoaster at Disney, but never getting off. Sounds like fun, but it gets old. I was really nervous about going to college in Chicago; it was so far away from home and homesickness was a big worry. Not only was homesickness a concern, but I actually signed up for the wrong program. Go figure! I clicked the "Dance Emphasis" button thinking I would benefit from a couple more dance classes every week. Wow, was I wrong! I got a lot more than a couple extra dance classes- I found myself dancing five days a week, for three or more hours at a time. I did not belong to a dance studio at home, so being in Chicago, surrounded by hardcore dancers was intimidating. I had the moves, but no technique. I was very self-conscious, but that made me work ten times harder. There was a lot of self-doubt in the beginning, but I successfully graduated with an Emphasis in Dance. I am so lucky to be the product of amazing dance teachers, especially Jane Lanier and Tammy Mader. I have worked so hard to get where I am today.
I am so grateful for all of the memories I have made in my time at college. I have friends and teachers that will be in my life forever. That was one really important thing for me. I love meeting new people and creating new relationships. One of my goals that I made coming to college was “create strong relationships”. And I did just that. I am now ready for my next chapter of my life. I look forward to all it has to offer. I have goals. I have dreams. Now it’s time to work hard and make them come true.