I must have been around ten years old when I first listened to opera. I remember picking out a record at the St. Charles public library because I liked the cover.  It turned out to be the Karajan recording of Debussy's "Pelléas et Mélisande."  This music transported me to a different world and ignited my imagination.  I'd never heard music like this before.  It was magical, ethereal, and it caused me to lose track of where I was and what I was doing.  I was transfixed-it felt as if I was put underneath a spell.  I couldn't possibly have known at the time the impact this would have on me, but my love for opera only grew and grew. I've always been a dreamer.  I dreamt of being an opera singer, seeing the world, and making music.  This dream became my reality, and for that I am so grateful.