I knew when I came to this school from New York City that my outlook on life would be different. Growing up in one of the biggest cities in the world and leaving it behind for small, rural, yet beautiful Middlebury College, I knew my college experience would never be forgotten.

I came to this school as a Posse Scholar and lover of arts, politics, and anthropology. Here at Middlebury, I'm able to combine all of these experiences, and through the various organizations on campus I've met others with similar interests. My love for dancing and performing led me to audition for the Riddim World Dance Troupe. I was accepted in my first semester at Middlebury, and I'm now director and president of this great dance group, which has been the icing on the cake.

Being a choreographer and director—and a dancer in eight out of the nine pieces performed by Riddim—represents a lot of work. When I choreograph, I put on the music and dance. I let the rhythm and beat take me into a trance where my body is constantly moving. As director, I'm basically in charge of everything Riddim does and needs. I have to make sure other choreographers have sufficient rehearsal time and money for costumes; order backdrops on time; and make sure the decorations, tables, costumes (shirts, pants, kneepads, hats, bandanas), CD's, tech people, stage manager, and ushers are all in place. The day of a show, I'm often in McCullough from noon to 2 a.m.

Riddim is a vital student group on campus, a reflection of the College's culturally diverse student body, which is an integral part of the Middlebury experience. Through dance and other forms of performance, Riddim fills the role of a cultural outlet to the larger community. Without a doubt, Riddim puts on an entertaining show, but the mix of diverse choreographers also helps educate the Middlebury community.

The hard work done by the Riddim family makes me proud. I see their creativity, and I see them grow as dancers. We all have different ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds, but we all work together as a community. Our common interest is the love of dance. What more can I say? Riddim is my family.