The idea that success comes easily or is a matter of luck is becoming a more frequent mindset within society. However, the simple response is, it doesn’t. Success takes had work, determination, perseverance, and a belief in oneself. When I was younger various individuals that had a great positive influence guided me. As a young adult, it has become my responsibility to guide myself to become as successful as imagined. With the freedom given in self-guidance comes the liability that I am the overseer and am in full authority of my success.

In the 8th grade I was given the wonderful opportunity to be apart of a famous dramatic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a play written by William Shakespeare. Four star-crossed lovers with the interactions of fairies, test their love for one another, ultimately realizing that falling in love can make individuals undergo foolish actions. At that age, I never had the capability to understand Shakespeare to the extent that I do now. I have never read any of his pieces before that time in my life. The only exposure I had to Shakespeare and his work was my biased imagination of all the men and women exclaiming their lines with low and over dramatic voices. At such an immature age, I was unable to capture the true essence of the play; however, working alongside with such talented actors such as Tina Benko, David Harewood, Max Casella, Julie Taymor, and Elliot Golding, they provided me with the encouragement I needed to take on this challenge. Just twenty young actors like myself had the opportunity to share the stage with the professionals. Among them, I was fortunate enough to be the lead female singer. During this time I had to balance the vigorous schedule and long commute into the city with school as well as other extra curricular activities. As demanding as the challenge was, I was able to enhance the sense of the fairy world successfully with the support and cooperation of others.

The production was such a success that eventually A New Audience Theatre collaborated with Earling Studios and Londinium Films to present the play as a movie. Embarking on this new journey into the world of film, I repeated the challenge with positivity and excellence.

Finally, the premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream had been introduced to the public and with great pleasure I was invited to go. When I had arrived at the premiere, I was shocked at the publicity that the movie had received. As I got closer to the entrance, the loud voices and blinding lights turned into chaos. As unaware and humble as I was at the time, I entered through the ‘I got premiere tickets online’ entrance instead of the ‘I was part of the production’ entrance. I walked through the simple doorway and smiled at the unrecognizable faces waiting in line.
Suddenly, Julie Taymor started exclaiming, “Olivia, over here!” I turned my head towards the direction of the sound and I noticed that I entered the wrong way. Julie started waving her hand toward my direction to come and join her as well as the cast in a photo. A sense of relief drifted through my body like a wave as I started getting closer to the reassembled cast of recognizable, smiling faces. Furthermore, as I posed for photos with the reunited cast alongside our director Julie Taymor, I noticed a significant figure.

“Anne! Anne! Over here!” exclaimed the reporters and photographers yearning for attention and a good photo. To my surprise, when I looked over my shoulder, I saw Anne Hathaway walk onto the red carpet. I was shocked and had no way of expressing the burst of excitement and amazement. 

Unfortunately, I was unable to introduce myself due to the crowd of people surrounding her and Helen Mirren. Therefore, while we entered the grand theater, I decided to sit and wait patiently in the red velvet seat. Soon enough the luminous screen lit and I was able to silently enjoy the piece of art in front of me.

*      *      *

After the premiere the settling feeling of pride had arose and it was time to leave the theater. I stood up, took a few steps toward the exit, and found myself should to shoulder with Anne Hathaway. A rush of apprehension and thrill became present throughout the nerves in my body, unable to wash the big smile off my face.

“Hello, I’m Olivia.” I started the hesitant conversation with enough courage.

“Hi, I’m Anne.” She continued with a smile realizing my contribution to the play “You were wonderful in the play, your singing was amazing.”

“Thank you so much. I am a fan of all your films and projects as well.” I was unable to withhold the bursting sensation of happiness within myself. I was trying to calm down, but the overwhelming feeling of delight was almost paralyzing.

“Awe, thank you!” she smiled. We finally squeezed through the big exit doors and the herd of people that were once gathered, scattered.

Finally, I hesitantly asked, “Can I take a picture with you?”

“Of course.” I handed my phone to my mom so she could quickly take a picture of us both. We stood arm in arm and I was astonished at what just happened. My idol, my motivator, an icon among many and I got to finally meet this amazing actress. I thanked her and she went on talking to a producer and his wife.

After the sheer amount of time and work that went into this production, I realized that success doesn’t come easily. Anne Hathaway wouldn’t be considered the talented, Oscar-winning actress she is today if she hadn’t worked hard. Instead, she would be another actress waiting for her dreams to come true. Looking back, if I had not adapted to the environment and had just given up on the challenge, I would have never had the opportunity to meet Anne Hathaway or work with such generous actors and brilliant talents. In all, success is not easily obtained in any instance but when one puts in the occasion and effort needed, they will be able to be successful.