Wow to be able to get a kick off every morning
on set in my television show like this
I wouldn't need coffee as much as I do
I mean the energy in this room
is just fantastic and it's an honor to
be here at my first Advocacy Day
and I just wanted to share a little bit of my
story so it can help inspire you as well.
My formative years growing up in South Texas
were spent in public school education with limited resources for the Arts.
However what my school provided in arts education it changed my life
It was at the age of 12 when I saw my first musical.
My father took me to the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium
in Harlingen Texas
to see A Chorus Line; you know the show.
it was at that moment I knew
that a profession in the Performing Arts was my destiny.
I told my father I want to do that! I could do that.
and at that age I was already studying ballet, tap and jazz
in a local dance studio Melba's dance school
in Mcallen Texas
and when I learned A Chorus Line required the skill of singing and acting
along with dancing my mother suggested
that I joined the choir instead of the middle school band.
I really wanted to play the drums as well.
I knew to be able one day to perform in A Chorus Line
I had to be equally strong in dancing, in acting, and in singing
I had to be a triple threat.
and joining my public school's choir program enhance not only
my skills to be the working actor you see today.
It also changed me as a person.
The definition of art comes in many forms
for example art is defined as
the product of human creativity
Joining my public school choir taught me how to be
a better well-rounded human being.
I learned teamwork, I learned respect
I learned empathy, I learned how to be a
better person to my classmates.
I learned to air is to be human.
I also learned that to be an accomplished artist
required skills in my other studies in school
like Math, Science, History and English
Therefore I truly believe arts education stands
as one of the pillars of a well-rounded education
The importance of arts education cannot be overstated.
[Cheers]
So along with being an actor on film, television, and broadway
I have had an equal passion for educating
the next generation of artists.
Especially those in places like South Texas
I have experienced firsthand what
arts education can do
not only for artists but for students of all walks of life.
I have taught dance classes
from private schools to inner-city schools
from housing authority communities to University
specializing in the Performing Arts
and I can assure you that I witnessed a change in these
students attitude about life
and about themselves when they walked out of my classroom.
So I recently reached out to friends, family, and fans on social media
asking them to share how arts education has influenced their lives
the countless
I cannot tell you this but the
I mean explain, the personal stories that
were shared that day they left me
speechless and overwhelmed and my heart so full
The real stories came not just from people in the arts profession
these personal stories came from people who
were affected by arts education
to pursue their professions in Medicine,
Law, Politics, Science, Engineering and
Education just to name a few.
Not only did arts education help them achieve their careers of their dreams
It also helped them survive their lives.
Stories about self-discovery about discovering
self esteem, dealing with parents divorce,
overcoming a disability, finding common ground with an enemy,
choosing to live instead of taking their own life,
Coping with the loss of a loved one
claiming self worth for the first time
and witnessing their veteran grandfather
worked through his PTSD with art therapy
these are but a few of the stories
shared that day.
so I would like to share with you one of those stories I received
that day on social media and I quote
this woman, who I don't know.
"Dance helped me move through an abusive childhood
and find my voice. I learned I was brave and powerful  and beautiful
Not at home but on the stage
I have met my very best
friends through the arts.
My life is fuller and richer because I learned
how to embrace everyone else's talent as well as my own.
Art made me the woman I am today without a doubt."
and Michelle Surnakov
is a communication specialist  for the National Forensic
Science Technology Center and lives in
Florida with her husband.
What I learned from my friends, my family and my fans
is that we are all the same we have
all been affected by arts education
including all of us on Capitol Hill.
That is why I stand here with you today
because together we can bring attention
to the cause and effects of the arts and arts education.
I believe together we can work with decision makers
from across the country and here in Washington and at home .
together we can assure that we
as a nation are supporting our students
our communities and ourselves
and is our responsibility to give the future
generations what was given to us
A chance to live our lives to the fullest.
Thank you
[Cheers]
