Hey hey, I’m Annaleese. I’m a junior in the acting program here at BYU. I know at first that maybe sounds cool, but then you probably thought- wow, she’s ambitious… and truth is, I am. I have a lot of goals and plans, and have felt thoroughly motivated and supported throughout my education here. I got married about 4 months ago to the boy I met about 6 years ago in the middle of a desert. I love all things outside and all things active. I love BYU and I feel genuine pride to be able to be a part of the student body. I’m comfortable embarrassing myself, and I get comfortable with people quickly.

Hometown

Dallas, Texas

Major(s)

Acting

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Acting clubs, Short film projects, Brad Wilcox Religion Teachers Assistant

Describe your college experience

Attending BYU has been the pinnacle of my long life so far. All 21 years of it. I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of amazing things, but there is something a special, something reverent and riveting at the same time about being here. Here- my education is not just expanding my mind, but my character. I have grown so much not just because I am mentally stretched in classes I have to take, but because the atmosphere is so inspiring, I want to challenge myself to improve on my own.

Tip for future students

I would say- choose to have an attitude of gratitude, and the atmosphere of the campus will genuinely inspire and amaze you. If you remember that this is exactly where you are supposed to be, you will embrace these years without giving away too much time to the stress of the life after school. Yes, university helps you to create a professional career, but university is also 4 years of incredible education and opportunity in and of itself. I would tell myself, if I could go back to freshman year- be more present. This is exactly where you are supposed to be, and the more you appreciate the opportunity in front of you right now, the more you will get out of it, and the more doors the Lord will help open going forward.

Favorite class

American Heritage. I have always loved and felt connected to American History. This class introduced me to the rigor of a BYU education and showed me how clearly education and faith work together. It inspired me as a citizen, as a student, and as a disciple.

Career goals

I want to act professionally with Angel studios for some time, and work my way to be on their productions team to help find and repo stories that familiarize people with the feelings of the Spirit through truthful, powerful stories. Along with that I would live to work with the Church in their media division to help use production to increase the missionary efforts of the church.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Get a good run in either by myself or with a good friend, come home and clean up, make dinner for my husband, make sure the house is clean and homework is done, and settle down with either a book or a movie. But! I also love a good night out to have some fun every so often.

High school or secondary school

Rockwall-Heath High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot is on the stone benches outside the Joseph Smith building. It is so peaceful and there is always students walking by. It genuinely fills you with a sense of gratitude and awe. Look at where you are. Look at all the people who helped make it happen. Look how far I’ve come. It’s beautiful. I remember my freshman year I would sit there when I would call my mom and I would share with her what I was learning in my classes. When I pass it, or when I get to sit there, I feel proud for all of us. We are all trying together to make it.