Kayleen Gerow played the lead role of Betty Rizzo in her high school's production of Grease. She initially struggled with feeling able to live up to the legacy of such a magnificent role. However, as rehearsals progressed she felt very connected to Rizzo and discovered how alike they were. During her final performance, Kayleen poured her all into the role and felt elements of herself intertwining with Rizzo. She was overcome with sadness and nostalgia as she belted out Rizzo's powerful ballad for the last time. It was then that Kayleen realized she had discovered herself through telling Rizzo's story.

1. There Are Worse Things I Could Do:
A Journey of Self-Discovery
KAYLEEN GEROW
VISUAL NARRATIVE

2. In the spring of my Senior year
of high school, it was decided
that our musical would be
Grease. I was thrilled at the
idea of performing it because
of the strong similarities to my
feelings about my last year of
high school.

4. When the cast list was released, I
was delighted to discover I had
received the honor of playing Betty
Rizzo, the fearless leader of the Pink
Ladies and one of the lead roles.

6. As we began rehearsals, I found
myself struggling to believe that I
could live up to the legacy that
the character entailed. I was
nervous at the idea of failing at
such a magnificent role.

7. Rehearsal in full swing!

8. As the show grew closer, I
found myself growing very
connected to Rizzo. I
discovered how strong
she was, and how alike to
her I truly felt.

9. The full cast in rehearsal outside!
That’s me!

10. As we prepared for the first show
and got into costume, I was
overwhelmed with nerves and
anxiety. My fears were quickly
alleviated when I stepped onstage
and conquered the character with
strength and poise.

12. I invested everything that I had into
making Rizzo as beautiful and
resilient as I believed her to be, and
put every ounce of my being into
each note and line that she spoke,
and felt elements of myself
intertwining with her.

14. During my final performance, I was
overcome with sadness and nostalgia. As I
went onstage to perform Rizzo’s powerful
ballad of heartache and struggle, I felt
myself welling up at the thought of leaving
this amazing place and these incredible
people that had shaped me into a
beautiful woman.

16. As I belted out her song one last time, I
began to feel tears running down my
cheeks. Looking up after finishing the
song, I saw the audience on their feet.
It was one of the most memorable
moments of my life, and I came to
realize that I had discovered myself
through Rizzo’s story.

17. Our
lovely
cast!