A Dream made into A Reality

My name is Justine Light Pre De Guzman, a recent graduate of Anglo-Chinese Junior College and a proud alumnus of Mayflower Secondary School, Singapore. Throughout my education journey, performance and the arts have been the pinnacle of my life, participating in various CCAs such as Choir, Debate, Orators, and Theatre. Through the course of my performance journey, I have worked closely with a multitude of professionals and industry-active practitioners, some of which include Mrs Geetha Creffield (Acting), Ms Mary Ann Tear (Voice), Mrs Tay Sze Chen (Song), Mr Adrian Poon (Song), Ms Angela Pietropinto and Ms Karen Braga (Comedy), Dr Filomar Cortezano Tariao (Physical Movement), Mr Gerard Sebastian Raj (Dance), Mr Randall Siow Weng Leong (Martial Arts), Ms Tong Wen Yee (Contemporary Dance), Ms Adelene Stanley-Cheah (Contemporary Movement), Mr Antonio Vargas (Flamenco), Mr Adrian and Mrs Tracie Pang (Acting), and Dr Caleb Goh (Acting and Song). Guided by these mentors, the 6-year intensive training demonstrates my technicality and capacity as a seasoned performer. However, I believe that performing is more than just entertainment and a showcase of one's skill. It serves a far greater purpose.

Serving my community was essential for my growth as a performer and leaders of my community. As the Student Conductor of MFSS Choir and President of ACSian Theatre, I had the opportunity to do more than just be a good actor. Appointed for my skill, I used the values of servant-leadership to guide my peers and my juniors through numerous performances and productions. Furthermore, through these platforms, I have found the importance and power of the Arts; how strong messages can be delivered in a palatable manner; how we can share our stories, opinions, and thoughts; and how we can evoke change in society. In 2019, I devised a piece that speaks against the abuse and mistreatment of Overseas Foreign Workers, spreading a message of strength and compassion to those who encounter such atrocious treatment. Pieces like this, prove the Arts instrumental in spreading about real-world issues and rallying for a change in the status quo.

Ultimately, I aim to lead in Broadway, expanding the impacts of my performances and making a name for Asian actresses, proving our capabilities internationally. By breaking the boundaries in the industry, I hope to inspire and empower other young artists to create, innovate and share their own stories, thoughts, and perspectives on different issues, challenging the status quo and breaking the ordinary.

In hopes to continue my commitment and contribution to the Arts scene, I have been offered a place to study in theatre at The University of Melbourne under the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre). By honing my theatricality under the program, I hope to explore more ways to strengthen the delivery of the messages I hope to share, making a greater difference to various communities and the world through theatre. Financially getting through University will be no easy feat, but I believe that with passion, tenacity, consistency, community and your kind support, there is no task unattainable. My family and I sincerely thank you and sincerely appreciate your support through any means, to overcome this challenge. However, we know that with support and a community, this dream can be made into a reality. 

Lastly, for the use of the GoFundMe team, I officially appoint Alexis Ronan Chavez as a supporter of my campaign. He has been appointed a beneficiary to gain access to the funds collected and to withdraw them. He will be my guardian in Melbourne, Australia as I pursue my studies. The collected funds will be used to pay for my education as stated by my aforementioned goal.