Hey, I'm Caleb, Jackie's partner. I've been fortunate enough to call myself that for a little over a year and a half. In that time I have witnessed some of the most exponential growth of a person I think I've ever seen first hand. For those who know Jack (to some she may be Sarah <3), you know that she is a bold yet gentle, independent yet community-driven, fiery yet so, so sweet, creative, steadfast, and indelibly impassioned person. It honestly felt wrong to end the adjective list there. To say she contains multitudes is only acknowledging a small corner of her tremendous heart and soul. Last fall she began a 10-week intensive at Terry Knickerbocker Studio. A renowned acting studio in Brooklyn, NY boasting some of your favorite actors as alumni. She worked her ass off during those 10 weeks. Overcoming some of her biggest fears to begin the journey into becoming the best actor and artist she could become. Her work was so impressive, that she garnered the attention of Terry himself (who wasn't even her instructor), who implored her to enroll in the 2 year program. She did so, and began coursework in January. Throughout her first year, she has not only continued to impress her instructors, but her peers as well (I've heard first hand that she is the most driven and talented actor in the class). I have been a working actor in New York City for 12 years. I not only have a passion for the craft, but for the instruction of it as well. I live for the recounts of Jackie's days at school. The conversations Jackie and I have about what she's learning are some of the most in tune, nuanced, unique, and intelligent perspectives on this work that I've had with any given long tenured working actor, let alone someone just starting out. Jackie is not only imbued with raw talent, but she is also a sponge, eager to become great at this work, and I am nothing short of impressed with the artist she has become (and in so little time!) since meeting her in '21. This is the kicker: she has done all of this while paying for the program completely out of her own pocket. At her most busy, she would attend class during the day, work an afternoon shift as a coffee shop manager directly after, and then go straight to work as a cocktail server at a night club, not coming home until 5 am, only to wake up 4 hours later to attend class. This lifestyle proved to be quite unsustainable, as it ended up severely affecting Jackie's health. This decision to leave the club was a necessary sacrifice, but has in turn affected her ability to comfortably afford her school costs. Her first year ends today (7/31), and if she can't pay certain fees within the month, she will not be able to attend her second year. Not to be dramatic, but this cannot happen. This education means so much to Jackie. This work means everything to her. She might not let on right away that it does...but if you're fortunate enough to be let in close enough to see that fire in her gaze when she gets serious about it, see those cheeks tighten into a smile when she feels proud of something she's done, you know it's the most beautiful thing to watch. If you know Sarah Jackie Taylor Paige Kinney DeHart, you know that she is fiercely independent. Almost to a fault. I love her so much for how much she prides herself on getting a thing done, and getting it done solo. But Jack needs help, she needs help from us. And she won't ask, she's boulder stubborn...but I'm stubborn too, so I am humbly asking for her. Please, if you can, donate so she can comfortably attend her second year of school. Anything given will go directly towards her tuition, which will allow for the money from her jobs to help sustain her day to day expenses like rent, food, etc. The pride I feel for the growth I've seen in this woman this past year is a pebble compared to the collective pride I know you all feel for her. Some knowing only an increment of what she's been through to get here, some knowing every gritty detail. She's earned this new experience, this education, and more than anything, she deserves it. Tenfold. Let's help her out.
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