All About Me

My name is Markaila Dyson. I know, kind of an oddly spelled name, but it makes me stand out and I like it that way. I’m a very spontaneous, out of the box kind of person. I like to be myself, I like to stand out and be my own person. I find life a lot more fun and exciting that way.

Now, if you don’t mind, I’m just going tell you now all the things I’ve done throughout my life time because to me, those things aren’t as important as you getting to know the me now. It also makes my letter less cheesy and more unique.

I’ve been singing since I was about 10 months old (humming along with the track I mean), and dancing since I was 2. I took dance classes in Hayward at Dance Co. when I was 2 years old and because of my natural gift of dancing I was the only little one chosen to dance and perform with the older kids.

A couple years later my family moved to San Francisco and I then danced with ODC until I was about 5. I stopped so that I could participate in SF Arts Ed’s program, where I have evolved over the last 8 years in their Broadway Bound and Players program. I found this was one of the best decisions ever. They’ve taught me not only how to grow strong in musical theater and have a good foundation for that, but also singing projection, dancing, acting alone, having good technique, working hard, and building a strong community with the people around me. People tell me I have a perfect pitch and I’m known to be a triple threat.

Through the SF Arts Ed program field, I’ve made good friends that will last forever, not only with the kids but also the staff. To say that is something special because not many kids my age get that opportunity. I’ve been attending their camps every summer, for every session, never skipped out on a year OR practice of players, and I’m glad I never did. I’ve sacrificed birthday parties, special events and hanging out with friends because of my commitment and dedication to this industry. It gave me the chance to show younger kids who wanted to be apart of players, how much dedication and hard work comes with being a player.

Continuing with the whole dedication part of it, I’d like to point something out about the “Now” me. As a 13 (almost 14) year old, I know how it feels at times to want to drop everything so that you can deal with your emotional issues, or drop your emotional issues and focus on your work but still have it affect you throughout your work. However, I’ve learned over the past few years that it gets you nowhere. I’m an incredibly great balancer when it comes to dealing with multiple things. I can deal with what happens outside of class, as well as finish my work in time and keep my grades up. I’ve had multiple past issues like every other kid my age, and don’t like it to get in the way of my education. I feel that they should both be dealt with equally, but on different plates.

Also, you should know that I sometimes struggle in math and social studies, but push myself very hard when I want to give up the most. It helps me better learn and understand the work, rather than just memorize it. That also goes for other things, like learning music, playing an instrument, anything. I’m a very dedicated, hard worker. Most recently, I received an A in math and B- in social studies, which is a huge accomplishment and it shows me that I am able to balance my life of musical theater, school, home and personal.

Another thing about me is my personality. I’m incredibly friendly and welcoming of everyone. I can get a little wild and excited when being around people close to me. I can be nervous and anxious when presenting in front of the class or someone, and I can be quiet and shy when talking to someone I don’t know very well. All of this makes me who I am and I am more than proud of that. Having 2 friends is fine, having multiple is fine and having no one is fine. I’m very flexible. As long as I’m in a safe and accepting community, that’s what matters and when I’m on stage, I become a totally different character who is bold, not shy and talented.

Additionally, I am ALWAYS open to learning new things, no matter how difficult the task. I like to challenge myself, whether it takes me a few seconds, a few minutes, hours, weeks, days, MONTHS to get it, I will get it.

Lastly, I come from a family of wildness and craziness, as well as acceptance and understanding, and I feel that that is a big and important part of me that I’d like to share wherever I go in the end.