When I moved to New York, an agent convinced me to change my last name, because they said I would work more if I could pass as “less ethnic.” I changed it back and left that agent a year later. But that doubt and anxiety, of not being good enough the way that I am, never left me. I’ve had panic attacks while waiting in line for auditions, and fled before being seen. I’ve had friends physically walk me to auditions and even rehearsals to keep me from spiraling. During the 14 years that I waited tables full-time, I made the decision to quit The Business on 3 separate occasions. I didn’t think I could take the pain of rejection anymore. But I am so fortunate to have the most incredible people in my life, from home, from school, from restaurants, from shows, who always find a way to drown out the voices of insecurity and self-sabotage. This post is for them. Thank you for always lifting me up. This summer, I’ll be on Broadway.