Hi! My name is Laël Smith. I'm 20 years old and I've been in love with Aerial and with Circus since I was nine. Growing up, training was never easy to access. Tuition was expensive, I had to stop and start more times than I'd like to count due to moving around a lot. But three years ago I found my local circus community, people who support me and want to see me grow. For the first time, I've been able to train consistently and build something real. I started coaching silks, and watching my students grow has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I just auditioned for NECCA — the New England Center for Circus Arts — a prestigious full time circus training program where I'd learn from internationally renowned coaches and grow as an artist in ways I haven't been able to before. If I get in, I have a deposit due almost immediately. I won't say this is easy to ask. I work hard. I teach, I train, I drive hours between studios every week, and I have more side gigs like babysitting, cleaning, and housesitting than I can count. But the deposit is more than I can pull together alone in time. This program isn't just about me. When I come home over the summer, I plan to bring everything I learn back to my students and my community. Your support doesn't just help me — it comes back to the kids and artists I coach. If you've ever watched me coach, trained alongside me, or just believe in what I'm trying to build — any contribution means everything. Even $10 gets me closer. Sharing this costs nothing, but it could change everything. Thank you for being part of my journey. I don't take that lightly. — Laël