April 2023 Student of the Month - Crystal

Positively Arts is proud to announce Crystal as the April Student of the Month! Crystal has been a part of the Positively Arts family for nearly four years and has recently been selected as the Co-Chair for 2023-24 Positively Leaders Steering Committee. To learn more about Positively Leaders, please visit positivelyarts.org/positively-leaders! Crystal sat down with Positively Arts student intern Naomi C., who is currently a freshman at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas.

How did you get into the performing arts and learn about Positively Arts?

CRYSTAL: Growing up, my house was always filled with music. My siblings and I absolutely loved to put on little ‘shows’ for our parents and no matter how cheesy it sounds, we always used to sing while doing chores because we all loved the movie ‘Annie’. Being able to sing and act for the rest of my life and make it a career in the future was my biggest dream as a child, however I was always the shyest person in every room and had absolutely no idea if that dream would even be possible. I’ve been in and out of singing groups, but about 4 years ago I was introduced to Positively Arts by a friend and she explained how their program works and what they do. I thought it was an amazing program and so I joined them and I saw it as an opportunity to help get me out of my comfort zone as well as being one step closer to making my dream a reality.

What do you enjoy about Positively Arts?

CRYSTAL: I love how Positively Arts has become like a second home and family to me. I am so grateful to be working with all the kids, and I love being around them because they have the biggest hearts and I can always count on them to make me smile.

What was your first Project with Positively Arts? 

CRYSTAL: My first performance was for Get Launched at ESports Area where I sang ‘Girl on Fire’ with my close friend Megan Wallace. 

What do you enjoy about performing? 

CRYSTAL: I love being able to interact with the audience as well as putting my emotions into songs so I can connect with the audience and make them feel something as well. 

How has PA helped you out?

CRYSTAL: I was a very shy person until I came to Positively Arts. Positively Arts helped me become more outgoing and step out of my comfort zone. I feel like Positively Arts is a very loving and caring environment. 

Do you like performing as a group or individually? 

CRYSTAL: At Positively Arts, I haven't performed in a group when it comes to singing. I feel like performing with a group is less nerve wracking because you have all your friends with you on stage who you know you can always count on, however I like all the opportunities I get being able to perform individually because that’s something I’ve never been good at doing and I love all the chances I get to be able to become better at it.

Is there a benefit to learning presentation skills? 

CRYSTAL: It forces you to get out of your comfort zone and makes you become more sociable. Having these skills will make you feel less frightened and nervous for anytime you have to do something yourself.

Do you have a process before going onstage? 

CRYSTAL: I still get nervous and shake a little bit. I picture myself somewhere else. I don't focus on the present moment. I think about something happy and it doesn’t make me feel stressed out. It makes me feel relaxed. 

Is there a performance with PA that stands out to you? And why? 

CRYSTAL: My first performance with Positively Arts at the Get Launched. It stood out to me because I had just come from a different singing group and didn’t know what the people from Positively Arts were like or how the audience was going to react when she would sing. It was nerve wracking because I was scared to sing by myself and that is why I sang with Megan. After the first performance I realized how supportive everyone was and it made me feel welcomed. 

What are your artistic plans in the future?

CRYSTAL: I wanted to try to be a recording artist and see how far that takes me in life as well as a model and actor on the side as well. 

What do you want to do with Positively Leaders? 

CRYSTAL: I want this to become an ongoing program and for our teens to start becoming more involved in giving back to the community and start gaining some real world knowledge that will help them throughout their lives. I’m excited to kick off the inaugural class and to see what doors this program could open for Positively Arts students in the future.
 
What is the best advice someone has given you in performing?

CRYSTAL: As simple as this advice sounds, the best advice someone has given me is to ‘Just have fun’. I always keep that in mind no matter what auditions or performances I go to because I know that I will always get nervous, but that doesn’t stop me from doing what I love to do. If you truly love something and that something for me is singing, then always remember why you started doing it. Because it was fun! 
    
What inspired you to start doing what you do?

CRYSTAL: My first performance opportunity inspired me to start bringing my singing career to life because when I was younger, I was offered to perform at a festival, however I backed out from performing on stage right before I was supposed to go on because I was scared of being judged by the audience. Ever since then, I’ve just looked back on that day and realized how far I’ve come and I keep pushing everyday to become better and better.

---