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Cradling the baby, I positioned myself in front of the camera.  I was completely in control, poised, confident, and with just the right combination of adrenalin and nervousness that I knew made me look radiant in front of the audience.  I pulled the blanket away from the infant's face, my expression holding enough poignancy to be believable, but not so much that the scene would be over-dramatized.  I was perfect.

"Claudia," Sr. Sanchez snapped, "Por qué pareces tan feliz?  Tu niña se acabó de morir!"   Why do you look so happy?  Your little girl just died! 

Well, perhaps not perfect.  This was obviously going to take some work.

I had been selected from over 100 applicants to participate in a soap opera acting class hosted by a major "telenovela" in Chili, La Fiera.  In one way or another, I had always enjoyed being on stage.  I had participated in over 20 plays, worked in PR for over 3 years, modeled, sang in the town choir, and done professional radio broadcasting.  Locally, I took every chance I could to participate in events that brought me in front of an audience.  I performed in ballets, was a cheerleader and gymnast for our soccer team, played the flute, and danced in traditional Chilean folklore. 

Throughout my experience, my self-confidence had served me well.  But this limelight was different.  In front of this camera I needed to relax, use my body as an instrument of communication, and loose myself in the role.  I was to be creative with my emotions.  I loved it. 

My name is xxxxx, and I am originally from Santiago, Chili.  But, as many immigrants to California, I moved to San Diego because there is work here in the field that gives me the most joy:  acting.  The magic of performing gives me a rush of energy that is the greatest passion in my life.

Since my first acting class, I have taken many more, and my skills have improved enormously.  More importantly, I have found work as an actress.  I have played as extras in soap operas, acted in several TV commercials, and this year finally landed a central part in a local film.  My love for acting drives me daily to perfect my skills, and the self-confidence that I have enjoyed all my life allows me to be fearless in front of failure and to walk in front of the camera with the naked emotions necessary for real acting. 

Anthony Robbins once said, "You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action."  A great actor meets success with talent, but more importantly with action.  I am neither afraid to hone my talents nor to direct my actions. 

Life as an actress is a great adventure.  Everyday brings something new in this Land of Opportunity.  Everyday a star is born.  Today, I will go to my job, and will act the part of Cristella, the tragic soldier's lover.  And today, I will be perfect.