Ever since I submitted my last college application, I’ve been on edge. It feels as if my future depends on rejection or acceptance from UCLA. But I still have a backup plan.

In the sixth grade, my mom took me to visit UCLA’s theatre program. I loved the way the people embraced me. I imagined myself taking acting classes there and performing in a play. I felt right at home and decided from there on – that was my school.

We all know that this has been a hard year for the UC system and that they’re making financial cutbacks that will limit admissions. For a lot of teenagers, this causes even more anxiety about whether or not they’re going to get in to the college of their choice.

It’s not easy being stuck in a position where I can’t make decisions for my future. But, I’ve made sure that I have pretty good alternatives. Not only did I apply to UCLA, but I also applied…and got accepted… into Azusa Pacific University. It may not be my dream school, but it still satisfies my desire to be in Los Angeles to network, which I know will eventually lead to the career that makes me happy.

I’m learning to be patient. But still, I won’t stop checking for an e-mail that says, “Congratulations, Dana Payne, you’ve been accepted to UCLA!”