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When I reflect on the young woman who first walked the halls of Plantz one seemingly ordinary Summer day back in 1998, the butterflies still flutter about. While outgoing and mildly confident, she was surprisingly apprehensive to finally have the freedom she craved after her small-town high school experience. She entered her freshman year as a Psychology major, but it only took one future mentor to ask during an audition, “What is your first love? Theatre, is it? Well, then. That is what your ‘�������ý��Ƶ Experience’ should be focused on. 'For this is the place to truly discover yourself.'” And that is precisely when I first realized that the liberal arts (and theatre in particular) would prepare me for everything that was to come thereafter. And it was through my �������ý��Ƶ Experience that I discovered my voice in every sense of the word. Although I was an honor roll student previously, I did struggle that first semester to find my footing academically. My Freshman Studies professor, Rebecca Matveyev, was fiercely dedicated to ensuring we were aptly prepared as first-year students for the rigorous pressures and expectations that were sure to lie ahead of us. I distinctly recall being anxious that she would call on me in class, which she did even more so as she recognized my initial reluctance to participate. I did not realize that her ultimate goal was to prepare us to speak up and never be afraid to vocalize and debate alternate perspectives. I worried incessantly if I would ever meet her standards. The more I was called on without raising my hand and implored to share my opinion, the more my confidence grew. And the more critique I received on my essays, the stronger my writing became. That experience ultimately drove me to become enthusiastic about taking numerous classes with her as she brought out the very best in my scholarly performance and expanded my skill set in ways I never imagined. I also routinely sought out classes in other departments that were outside of my comfort, specifically for the opportunity for growth. I realized that her strategy was exactly what I needed to succeed, not just at �������ý��Ƶ, but outside of the safety and comfort of the ‘�������ý��Ƶ Bubble’, as well. That curious 18-year-old has grown into a professional marketing and communications strategist and presenter with a passion for supporting and promoting the arts and education. I did find my voice—personally and professionally—all those years ago in a not-so-ordinary classroom and in a dark theatre, and grew into a proud �������ý��Ƶ Ambassador. To this day, I still carry with me each of the lessons learned, the guidance received, and lifelong friendships formed during my formative years in Appleton. I will always remember the warm smiles of my devoted mentors as they supported and applauded my performances both on and off stage. Some of my most cherished memories include lively discussions with instructors during irregular office hours in historic Main Hall, quiet afternoons in Cloak, or enjoying a beer together in Jekyll’s on a Wednesday afternoon. I can still wax poetic about women in Russian literature through my history courses, Ireland and cultural imperialism (thanks to the Theatre department), and even carry on an engaging discussion focused on Wisconsin during the Paleozoic Era. For that is, after all, The �������ý��Ƶ Difference. Connect with Anneliese on .