Dr. Maya Shankar

And they were very gracious, very kind.

And they were very gracious, very kind.

They said yes.

They said yes.

I think a lesson I've learned over the years is just how generous people can be when you just ask them if they're willing to do you a favor.

I think a lesson I've learned over the years is just how generous people can be when you just ask them if they're willing to do you a favor.

But they let us meet her teacher afterwards.

But they let us meet her teacher afterwards.

And I actually auditioned for him on the spot.

And I actually auditioned for him on the spot.

He accepted me into his summer program.

He accepted me into his summer program.

And it was only because of that intense boot camp training that summer that I think I had any chance at all of getting into Juilliard.

And it was only because of that intense boot camp training that summer that I think I had any chance at all of getting into Juilliard.

And what that lesson taught me, Hala, is that

And what that lesson taught me, Hala, is that

A lot of times the door will not open for you on its own, right?

A lot of times the door will not open for you on its own, right?

You won't get that silver platter, but sometimes if you just force it open, I mean, literally in this case, my mom just walked into the building.

You won't get that silver platter, but sometimes if you just force it open, I mean, literally in this case, my mom just walked into the building.