Young Ambassadors 2012

I just barely got back home last night after 2 way-too-short weeks in Utah. As I mentioned before, I went to EFY the first week I was there, but the 2nd week I headed back to BYU to do another camp. This last week I did a camp called "Young Ambassadors Singing Entertainers" (YASE). It's a camp that combines singing, dancing, and acting. So, basically a show choir camp. In fact, it is organized and put on by the BYU Young Ambassadors- which is the BYU Show Choir team. It was a pretty sweet camp. I'm not going to lie, it was very challenging and super competitive, but I learned so much and I feel like I came out of that camp being a better performer. I adored all my counselors, choreographers, vocal directors, and everyone there so much. I loved being there because everyone there loves all the same things I do- music, musicals, dance, acting, and mormon stuff- so that made the camp tons more fun. Everyone sang EVERYWHERE they went. I'm pretty sure the people around us got super annoyed, but we didn't care because we were having a blast! And we weren't just singing either- we had people beat box, some people do harmony, some people do melody, and even some people dancing and adding in phrases. It was like a musical everywhere we went! I wish I was with all those people all the time!! But all in all, I had a super great learning experience and a super great spiritual experience as well. If you're interested in all in singing, dancing, or acting- I highly recommend going because you will have the time of your life!

On my way to YASE, I went on Facebook and saw a status update from one of my old friends from Rolla, Missouri that said "Going to YASE this week." I was like- WHOA. NO. WAY. And sure enough, she was there. We got to hang out all week- she was my BFF for the week. 

First of all, if you go to BYU- Do yourself a favor and NEVER eat at the Morris Center.  Anyways, meet Dallin. He and I both hate the Morris Center. One day at dinner, the very-untalented Morris Center chefs placed a burrito (without a plate underneath it) on his tray. There wasn't any beans or rice or anything. Dallin was pretty much disgusted and sick of the Morris Center by this point. So, after saying some rude comments to the chef, he decided to make a point by pouring both milk and cereal on his tray and eating it. He was pretty proud of himself. I almost died laughing. I love this kid. Oh, and did I mention he went up after that to get an apple and said even more rude comments? We were all dying of laughter and embarrassment. 

Meet Preston. We've known each other since I was in Kindergarten. Our moms are best friends and we basically were always together during our childhood because our moms were always together, that is, until I moved. But, I got a text from him halfway during the week saying " Hey! I'm here at BYU so if you need anything let me know. It would also be really fun if we met up some time while you are here. What time do you usually have dinner?" So, the next day we went out to dinner and then Friday morning we had breakfast together at Jamba Juice. It was super fun to get to reconnect with him and see how college life was treating him. 

After dinner with Preston, the whole camp headed on a field trip to see the musical "Crazy for You"- it was super good. If you have a chance, I recommend going to see it. So good.  And the bus ride down to Orem was the best- we sang the whole way there. 

After our concert on Friday, we had an after party- which also included singing and dancing. Oh, and eating. This picture started out with 3 people trying to take a picture, but everyone jumped in. Gotta love those YASE kids. 

This is Brock. He is the most hilarious, most outgoing person I ever met. And he's really into improvisation. So basically every time you talk to him it's like being in a play. We had a joke the whole week that Brock gave me an imaginary "rock" (meaning wedding ring). He then later preceded to tell me that it was made out of actual carrots- not "carats". Haha. Love him. 

Blaze. He's pretty much awesome and an amazing singer. Oh, and did I mention that he's a total hipster? Love that about him. 

These girls were in my counselor group. Our plan was to pull an all-nighter that night. The girl on the left made it to 1. The girl on my right made it until 3. I made it until 4:30am. Then I got locked out of my room by my roommate. Whoops.

Laura is a sweetheart. She's super amazing- for the showcase she composed the song that she sang. So cool. 

This is Loren. He was my choreographer for the week. He is probably my most favorite choreographer I've ever had (and trust me, I've had a lot). It wasn't because he was super nice or super fun, but he really worked us hard and you could tell that he really cared. So I just adored him all week.

So, as you can see, I had an amazing time and I'm totes going back next year!!

XOXO
Mikayla