I am related to show business in a number of ways. Most notably, I am the daughter of a renowned dancer, choreographer and actor. Growing up in the spotlight gave me an important perspective on the world, and has shaped my values and my love for the creative arts.
My father’s career has had incredible influence when it comes to instilling confidence and a great work ethic within me throughout my life. I remember his constant commitment to learning new techniques and expanding his portfolio, while helping those around him strive for their dreams too. Like many others in my position, I benefitted from the networking opportunities that came with being connected to someone involved in show business.
In more recent years, my relationship with show business has evolved into more than just one of admiration or one that provides certain advantages- it's become something that I'm proud to be part of and champion on a daily basis. As a storyteller myself, I'm proud to encourage original stories, narratives and visual frames that make an impact on the industry and viewers around the world - from producers, directors, actors all watching from home or those sitting inside a theater waiting for the curtains to open. Whether through films or stage performances - these stories come alive in ways we could never have imagined possible before what began as scribbles on paper became real life adventures!
Most importantly though, this rarely discussed side of being related to show business brings a great level of family pride - one that's been shared by generations past mine even though we may have never sat down in front of the same box office ticket window together or held hands while walking into a post-showing celebration bash afterwards (coincidently hosted by either myself or amongst other friends). Yet it's been moments like these that keep us connected when talking about where we really belong - blazing trails with our creativity wherever our feet take us next.
Who is your closest relative?
As we grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of all the important people in our life and especially those of our own family. To me, my closest relative is someone who cannot be replaced or exchanged, in spite of being a common name among members of our families. This person is my grandmother; an intelligent and lovely woman who shouldered a lot in her lifetime.
My grandmother was the ultimate rock to me growing up. Her affections were unending and she provided me with the love, support and guidance I needed during all stages of my life. With her around, I never felt like I was alone; she always had a hug for me or an encouraging word whenever I needed it. Moreover, she looked after me in every way possible from making sure I ate healthy meals to helping me with my homework and constantly reminding me that no matter how difficult life might seem, things would all turn out right if I stayed true to myself and kept going even when the odds might be against me.
I particularly remember how much my grandmother wanted to pass on her legacy and oral histories of our family to future generations so they too could appreciate them. I feel very blessed that after dedicating her entire life to raising her family, she was still able to make time for me and foster such a strong bond between us. She will always remain my closest relative, who's love is indescribable even long after she passed away.
Who do you consider to be family?
My family is composed of many different people, but for me, family goes beyond those related to me by blood. Family are those individuals with whom I have formed strong connections throughout the years, sharing my joys and sorrows with them. I believe that family should be a place where individuals can depend on each other; a safe haven in times of difficulty and burdened times.
Family is more than just marriage, relatives or birth; it is also the bond shared between friends who have been there with you through thick and thin. My closest friends have become members of my family, as they have provided me support during difficult moments as well as invited me to be part of their celebrations and joyous occasions. Family are those people who understand you without needing words to explain exactly why you feel that way. These persons respect your emotions and decisions without questioning them, which makes it easier for them to give advice or guidance if you need it.
It is true that we cannot choose our biological relatives, but the conscious decision to create a support system and build a connection with someone else is powerful enough to allow unique relationships form into an even stronger bond between two individuals, hence blurring out what separates us from establishing a meaningful relationship classified as "family".
Who do you look up to in your family?
When I think of the people in my family that I look up to, I immediately think of my grandmother. She is the ultimate rock in my life, always inspiring me and believing in me no matter what. I admire her strength and perseverance, as she has been through many hardships in her life yet still looks at the world with optimism. Despite all that she has been through, she always puts others before herself and manages to find joy in everyday events. Even in her 80s, she still manages to connect with others’ lives and make a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
My father also inspires me with his tenacious dedication to whatever he does. He consistently goes above and beyond for our family, sacrificing his own interests for ours whenever necessary. His loyalty is second-to-none and I’m thankful for all of the lifelong lessons he has taught me. From him, I have learned how important it is to stay humble and accept help from others when you need it.
I look up to many more people from my family who have shown me unconditional love throughout my life — each one serving as a source of motivation and light in different ways by providing invaluable advice or by exemplifying a strong moral compass meant for guidance. From family dinners filled with conversation and laughter to big hugs that fill the room when someone's feeling down — these moments serve as an important reminder of why exactly these people have become role models throughout my life.
Are there any particular members of your family that you are especially close to?
There are countless members of my family that protect, cherish, and inspire me every day. But if I had to single out one person who is particularly special and close to my heart, it would have to be my grandmother. She has been a constant presence ever since I was born – she even witnessed the very first moments of my existence. She always welcomed us into her home with open arms and a warm embrace; her delicious cooking made our visits truly memorable.
More than anything else, I admire her strong values which she passed on to me. I remember growing up listening to stories about courage and ingenuity which taught me life lessons that many don’t get the opportunity to learn. Despite all life had thrown at her from such a young age, she persevered in life’s toughest battles with grace and resilience. My grandmother also understood how important education was for my sisters and myself, so she selflessly pushed and encouraged us without fail on our academic journeys.
To this day, whenever I need some guidance or comfort, I know that I can always go to her and look upon her wisdom and support which helps me weather any storm that comes my way. The unconditional love she showers us with during the holiday season is truly beyond words - something we will always hold dear in our hearts forever!
Who would you say are your most immediate family members?
Many people look to their immediate family to find comfort and support. Generally, this family consists of close relatives such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Your immediate family is important to your mental and physical well-being.
My most immediate family members are my parents, my brother and sister, and my grandmother. My father is an artist and has taught me the value of creativity and hard work in any goal I intend to accomplish. My mother is a dedicated teacher who has shown me how to be strong but also how to be kind in every interaction I make with another person. I would not be who I am today without their guidance. My brother and sister are younger than me; however, they are no less important members of my immediate family as they have taught me lessons in patience without even knowing it as well as the joys of playtime throughout our childhood. Lastly, my grandmother is incredibly special to me: she is always full of love yet able to challenge me when needed. With all these members together, I know that no matter what tough times may come my way there will always be reassurance found within the walls of my home thanks to who unconditional support from my closest kinfolk.
There truly is a unique bond between those in your immediate family; this bond often manifests itself through shared moments both shared joys as well as through more difficult scenarios where comfort can easily be found between loved ones. Friends may come and go throughout life but your most immediate families remain forever cherished at the heart of all you do--and are vital parts of understanding who you truly are in life.
What members of your family have had the biggest impact on you?
I come from a diverse and vibrant family who each hold a special place in my heart and have had an immense impact on my life. From my side of the family, I have my parents as well as three older siblings. My parents have been key figures in both my life and development. They have instilled within me the values of education, kindness, hard work, respect and being compassionate to those around me. My siblings are some of the closest people in my life. They were a source of guidance when I was young and continue to be excellent role-models for me still today; all four of us together create an atmosphere of support and belonging.
On my husband's side of the family, his grandparents continue to be an important part of our lives - attending various events we host, talking often, and being fully involved in our day-to-day activities. Their guidance has been invaluable over the years for both myself and for our children. We are blessed to still have them actively able to contribute to this chapter of our lives despite their age which allows us to not only appreciate but also seek their wisdom more readily which has quite positively impacted each generation’s perspective on things.
Overall it is no doubt that the members of my family have had an immense impact on me that I am consciously building on - continuing this legacy into adulthood as both a parent and partaking in developing healthy generational relationships with everyone involved while establishing unique relationships with each new generation along the way helps fortify our family’s roots even more so as time continues forward.
