Adolescent Drug Treatment or Acting?

Adolescent Drug Treatment or Acting?

So for almost 8 years now the only profession I've been interested in is one in the entertainment field. I'm and actress. My adrenaline rushes at the thought of being in front of an audience and hearing their emotions come to life. I love the camera and Ive been told it loves me too, ha ha. I mean that in the most humble way! I love being an adult and playing make believe as a job. Of course it is probably the most difficult job choice one can make. There are no guarantees, not set pathway to go to become a successful working actor- just the determination to make the dream come to life.

In those 8 years I haven't had any other career interests outside of acting. At 29 that is a little scary. People say find a fallback plan and I've always been opposed to the idea of that...its almost like thinking my goal of a sitcom won't come true. Then, finally, something has come along that I've found a passion for: working to help adolescents battle their drug addictions. I'm not saying I'm giving up performing by any means, but Ive found a place in my heart and spirit for helping adolescents in need. Maybe I'm reaching out to help teen addicts because I couldn't help my birth parents fight their drug addiction and now they are gone because of them. Maybe its my mother instinct kicking in. Who knows!

I love seeing the teen drug addicts recover. I laugh inside at their teenage defiance and I tear up when they finally connect. Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers has allowed me the ability to reach out to teens and their families in a different way than acting does and its equally fulfilling. I've been through abuse and turmoil myself and any way I can help a teenager come out of their difficult situations and see that life is wonderful despite any injustices and bad days we come across warms me to the core.

Maybe I'll figure out a way to combine both passions and be able to help change lives of adolescent addicts while bringing a little make believe and magic to their lives.

Amy Lawhorn