I started Capoeira when I was going through some very hard times. I did not know where life was going to take me next and I did not feel like there was any meaning to it. I was so confused. Allowing Capoeira into my life was the best choice I have ever made. It is one of the most important things in my life. Since I have started, my life has been filled with meaning and now there is a definite direction I would like my life to go. I can never stop thinking about Capoeira. If I could, I would stay at the academy and live Capoeira. It is with me always and forever will be. I was very stressed out and depressed before I started because of circumstances in my life. Now, I feel like everyday is the most beautiful day and I am always relaxed. The problems in my life are still there, but to me they are nothing but opportunities. Every time I come to Capoeira and my day has reminded me of days in my past, Mestre always has words for me to pull me through. Everybody there is so caring and helpful. The people at Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho are like family to me. I can do things now, that I thought I could never do. My entire life has made a complete turn around and I have found myself and my future. All my life, I have wanted to be an actress and I have been trying to accomplish this for over 8 years. It is very hard to break into the industry. I started to give up my life long dream, but when I did, an audition came up for a martial arts movie and I dragged myself to an audition once more. If I had not started Capoeira, I would not have landed a role, but because of my unique style of martial arts, it was relatively easy to get a part. The movie premiered at Universal Orlando's movie theater. Now I have the tools needed for an opportunity of a lifetime and a new hope that I can accomplish one of my near impossible goals. Because I have Capoeira in my life, I can find happiness in every day. Capoeira is freedom.