“Last one there’s a rotten egg!” Why am I always the rotten egg? Well this egg was egg-static (Sorry, I’ll leave the puns to Ryan) when I met up with the Ms. Staples and the ITO gang at baggage claim! I touched down, ran out of the terminal, gave hugs, and we were on our way! I knew I was home as we drove across the bridge to downtown Cincinnati and there were ten other bridges staring back at me. With my face stuck to the window, the drive was quick, and, before I knew it, I was home. Well, the EdTA Home Office that is. The amazing Ms. Diane Carr greeted us as we entered and we were off. Meeting with the EdTA staff was amazing, and we learned of many amazing things in store for Thespians! Midway through our meetings, Austin, Mr. David LaFleche, and I snuck out for a brief photo shoot. While serving as models for all the ITS graduation gear, Austin and I could not have had more fun! Look forward to your favorite ITO on a the runway soon ;)
That night we started with dessert at Graeter's ice cream, which for a tourist like myself, was life changing! Next, came a dinner with the EdTA board and staff. The conversations and people were lighthearted and fun. It was inspiring to be in a room of adults so dedicated to honoring student achievement in the arts. We shared stories, ate fantastic food, and inspired by the dedication among us. The ITO were beat after a long day and headed back to the hotel! We shared stories and caught up until our eyes couldn’t stay open one more second, thus ended our first day in Ohio.
Saturday, we presented to the EdTA board many of our new ideas and experiences we’ve had over the course of our term so far. It was extremely productive and we have many new plans in store! After lunch, we met with some local Cincinnati Thespians to discuss leadership and advocacy at the troupe level. Shout out to these great leaders for taking the time to meet with us! The rest of the weekend was full of reflections upon our term as well as plans for the future. We met with wonderful leaders like Doug Berlon and Ms. Julie Theobald to give the students perspective within the EdTA. A huge thank you to everyone who met with us!
The weekend went in a blink of an eye and before we knew it, we were one planes, headed home. I am so thankful for the experience and incredible people I have worked with thusfar. I know I speak for all the ITO when I say, we look forward to what the rest of our term has in store! Next stop, The Capital, and remember- “Last one there’s a rotten egg!”