with a deep passion for theatrical performance, I’ve been actively involved in stage productions, most recently portraying Director Chris in the hilarious play The Play That Goes Wrong. I’m also an avid Broadway musical enthusiast, continually inspired by the power of live storytelling. Beyond the performing arts, I’m a committed policy debater. Every summer, I attend a 7-week institute at the University of Michigan to prepare for the upcoming debate season, and I travel across the country to compete in selective national debate circuits. This experience has not only sharpened my critical thinking and communication and stage presence skills, but also opened my eyes to the realities of social, economic, and physical ability discrimination — especially how the needs of people with disabilities are too often overlooked or ignored. 

These realizations sparked my desire to use theater and debate not just as creative outlets, but as platforms for change. 

I started LaughAbility, a non-profit organization built on the belief that storytelling, laughter, and human connection are essential — and that everyone deserves access to joy, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance.   

For my high school’s chapter of the National Youth Science Journal, I recently wrote a piece on the science behind humor, and the merits of laughter. Through my research, I found numerous studies that all arrived at the same conclusion—laughter is extremely necessary for our well-being. Humor can boost one’s self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety, serve as a healthy coping mechanism, and even improve organ function! But what stood out to me through my research, is laughter’s distinctive way of creating connections. Humor-induced laughter is contagious through mirror neurons. These are neurons that cause one to act in the same way they just saw someone else do. When we see someone else laughing at a funny joke, mirror neurons make us laugh too. This creates a special shared experience with that other person, connecting them to each other. 

Personally, comedy has always been such a connecting force for me. Whether it be cracking jokes with my family, or laughing at my favorite comedians with my friends, humor has always brought me closer to the people I love. My passion for comedy deepened this past semester, when I participated in a seminar dedicated to women in comedy. Learning about celebrated comediennes, past and present, like Gilda Radner, Lucille Ball, and Sarah Sherman and their influence on the comedy world made me realize just how important representation is in comedy, especially for those who are often overlooked, like those who are neurodiverse. I was inspired to create a vision where everyone is involved in and connected through comedy. My love for making other people laugh, paired with this new insight moved me to make a space where humor is accessible and empowering for all, regardless of ability. 

Many groups have been left out of traditional comedic spaces for a variety of reasons. Particularly for neurodiverse individuals, for instance, those with Down’s Syndrome, or on the autism spectrum, traditional comedy can be inaccessible, due to social barriers, sensory overload, or a lack of representation. Others, such as elderly individuals who may experience isolation, limited mobility, or reduced access to live performances, may feel excluded from participating in and enjoying comedy performances. I am committed to providing inclusive, accessible comedy performances for these communities. By making comedy a space where everyone feels welcome, I hope to foster deeper social connections and happiness with and for these communities. 

 Laughter is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, offering a unique form of communication that conveys joy, relief, or connection. It’s a natural response to humor, bringing people together and enhancing social bonds. Scientifically, laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being and even temporarily relieving pain. Moreover, it improves heart health, boosts the immune system, and reduces stress. In social settings, laughter can break the ice and diffuse tension, making it an invaluable tool for fostering relationships and enhancing group dynamics. Whether shared with friends during a humorous exchange or enjoyed alone through a comedy show, laughter plays a crucial role in maintaining both mental and physical health.