“Artists take the world and internalize it and give something back,” Artistic Director and Theater Department Head of Indiana University Jonathan R. Michaelsen said. For Michaelsen, giving back is what his career is all about.

Michaelsen began his career at IU 12 years ago but has been participating in and teaching theater all his life. Throughout his journey, he has discovered that teaching is his ultimate passion. He considers himself lucky to be able to teach yet still allow students to develop on their own. One of the best parts of his job is allowing the students to have creative freedom with how they go about learning the role of the character and how they problem solve.

IU produces an average of three shows during the regular school year but also puts on shows for the summer theatre program. For …
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Betty Chen, a junior from Diamond Bar High School, is attending HJSI this week. She recently moved from Corona del Mar High School to where she is now.

Moving to a new school can be scary, confusing and maybe a little bit overwhelming. Betty Chen has experienced first hand what this can feel like.

Last year was Chen’s first year at Diamond Bar High School. She previously attended Corona del Mar High School. The schools, both located in southern California, are about an hour away from each other. The switch in schools stemmed from her mom’s desire for Chen to be in a school with less Asians. The high school she attends now is mainly Caucasian, Chen said.

According to Chen, getting acclimated to a new school is hard because she had to make all new friends with people she didn’t know. …
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