CLA Alum Reflection

My time in CLA 3 (Contemplative Leaders in Action training program) proved pivotal in my walk of life. When I started the program, it was in the fall of 2014. I was in a place in my life where I felt stuck. I was working a couple of part-time jobs that weren’t fulfilling for me and wasn’t doing any theatre at that time. In my final year in the CLA program, my mentor, Ariel Rosemond, encouraged me to follow my passion to be a performer in musical theater, even if it meant losing a day job. It was his support, along with others at CLA, that allowed me to continue to live a life of purpose, filled with passion and reflection, while also pursuing my love for the arts.

I recently met with Ariel back in December for an Advent CLA gathering, and he reminded me of the impact I have on other people, including him and his family. It is these affirmations that continue to remind me of having a purpose in life while being open to what God has planned for me. CLA continues to be a group of support I can count on to this day.

DuWayne Andrews, Jr. is a Seattle native and CLA 3 alum. He graduated from Seattle University, majoring in both Political Science and Humanities. After graduation, he became the Youth Choir Director at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Seattle. He has developed a career as a performer in both musical theater and opera. Since 2018, he has been a member of the Seattle Opera Chorus, appearing in nine Seattle Opera productions.