We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ana Rodriguez Caballero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Back in the summer of 2018, my mom and I decided to change our lives and move to America from Mexico, specifically Callahan (a VERY small town near Jacksonville!) Little did I know, this risky decision was one of the biggest blessings in my life. My first year at a school in the US wasn’t the best per se, a new language, culture, and country was a big shock in my life and at times I begged to return to Mexico because I missed everything and everyone back home. Thankfully, perseverance came and I began my freshman year of high school; Oh, was my life going to change for the better! The summer before my first year of high school started, I attended a summer camp there put on by the Theatre Troupe and met the people that would soon become my second family. Acting and the arts have been a part of my life ever since I was little; I started acting when I was 6 years old in commercials and short films and dancing around the same time. The beginning of my freshman year of high school consisted of me going to theatre rehearsals after school every day and helping out with tech as much as I could; later on that year, I was asked to be the assistant director and choreographer of the upcoming musical we were putting on that spring: Frozen Jr! Working in that musical with my theatre family gave me some of the best friendships I have nowadays. Before starting our second musical of the year, COVID-19 hit us but that only made me and some of the people there get even closer!
Fast forward to now, I am a Senior in High School and it still sounds weird to say! I am President of the Senior Class, the National Honors Society, and the International Thespian Society. I am also the Co-Chair of the District Education and Leadership Conference of the Florida District of Key Club International, an international student-led organization that teaches leadership through service to others. I have held over 20 leadership positions throughout these past four years in school and they all have taught me many different leadership skills that have shaped me into the leader I am today. At Theatre, I have participated in every production we’ve put on either on or off stage; some of my favorite roles include the Head Waiter in the musical “She Loves Me”, Sister Aloysius in “Doubt” and Medea in “Medea”. A couple of days ago, I attended the Florida Theatre Conference where I had the honor to audition for College Acting Programs in the states of Florida, New York, and California, take workshops with Broadway performers, a Rockette, and many professionals in the industry. I was blessed to have 17 callbacks and my dream is to attend a school that will prepare me for the acting world since that’s what I plan on pursuing for the rest of my life.
A huge thing as well that has influenced my life in the best way is the people I surround myself with. My parents and brother who are my constant support and biggest fans; they are always there and support me every bit of the way. My friends who I share most of my days and most of my laughter with; they sure make life ten times better and a crazy adventure. And my Theatre Director and Clubs Advisor who always has the answers when I feel lost and continues to guide me no matter what. Without some of the people I have met along the way, I have been able to stay motivated and work towards becoming the best version of myself.
Ana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My mission in life is to change the culture around me by making it a positive place for everyone and motivating others to be the change they want to see in the world. As a young woman who is also an immigrant, I have been told many times that I am not making it anywhere because of the way I look, the way I sound, and simply because “I am different.” Yes, I am different, but I believe this makes my mission even more special. I want everyone to know that it is okay to be different but that does not mean you stop fighting for what you want or believe in, it just means you fight harder and with more meaning.
Not too long ago, I was working on my College essay and I felt lost since I was feeling as if I have not accomplished anything after putting in so much work and effort these past years in my school and community. But, when I told this to my Theatre Director (who is also my mentor!!) he sat me down and made me realize that I was wrong. When he asked the people in that room if they had ever been influenced in a positive way by me or had been helped in any kind of way by me they all raised their hands. This just brought tears to my eyes because I realized that I was doing it, after all, I was making the change I so desired to see without me noticing it. So, be that positive light that people turn around to look at when you walk into a room,, be that person that influences others to be the best versions of themselves!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As actors, we tell many stories throughout our careers. Personally, being able to take on a role and being able to tell someone else’s story is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an actress. The process of understanding the person and getting to the point where you know your lines and begin thinking and reacting as that person makes the process so much fun and intriguing up until this day. You have the story in your hands and it is up to you on how you tell it!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want to tell as many stories as I can throughout my acting journey and I want to impact people’s lives the way some of my favorite actors have impacted mine! While doing this I want to share my mission as I mentioned before of influencing others on being the change they want to see in this world!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @anasofiardz05
- Twitter: @anardzcaballero
- Other: VSCO: vsco.co/anaaaaasofia