My name is Niki, and I am a freshman this year at NAU. I am a first year Blavin. I plan on majoring in Theater (Performance), with an Associate’s in Dance, a minor in vocal and instrumental music, and a minor in creative writing. I am extremely excited to get involved in The Bad Jacks, which is a hip hop dance club at NAU, and I am uber-anxious to be a part of the NAU Quidditch team. I plan on working, but I am still currently exploring my options. I hope to do something that is geared towards my major in theater or writing. I spent two years in the foster care system, but that was certainly not when the problems that lead me there began. I consider myself a part of the system from the moment the problem started, which was the day I was born. It’s all about perspective. I spent my time in the system in the Peoria/Glendale/Phoenix area. The Blavin Scholars Program will allow me to feel safe for the first time in my life. Everything has felt shaky, and now this scholarship allows me to feel like I am finally standing on solid ground. I will not have to worry about my future or if I have enough money. It is an opportunity to take my life and shape it the way I want. When I graduate, I want to move to New York and be an actor on Broadway and a published author. I am considering a “back up” career as well, but I have not completely set what that career will be. No matter what, I want to go for my dreams, but I would also like to find a career where I can impact the world. Whether I find a career in activism, as a lawyer, or a medical research scientist, I am not sure. These are the ideas I am currently pondering. Lately, I think I would prefer to dedicate my time to helping animals. My emotional support dog has done so much for me, and I have a passion for all animals. I do not believe you have to have everything decided, as long as you have some plan. I am just going to work my hardest, remember what I want, and look for the opportunities God sets in my path.