From the beach to the city: NWFSC grad heads to NYU

Recent Collegiate High School graduate, Ashley Meyer, will be leaving the beach life for the city streets when she heads to the New York University Tish School of the Arts this fall.

Meyer, a Shalimar resident and granddaughter of Destin residents Gene and Peggy Walls, has enjoyed growing up in the warm weather.

"I will definitely miss the beach and my family," she said of heading north. "I'm not a big snow person."

Acting since she was eight-years-old, Meyer said she didn't feel much intimidation when she visited New York to audition for the program.

"I was a lot calmer than I expected," she said.

Meyer is no stranger to the stage. She has been acting since the sixth grade and has been competing in the National Forensics League for several years. In fact, this past June she took home top honors for her poetry reading. Meyer credits her success to the support from her coaches and teachers throughout her education at Choctawhatchee High School, Niceville High School and Northwest Florida State College.

When it comes to what she'll do in New York, the possibilities are endless, and Meyer is looking forward to exploring.

"I'm interested in theater performance and entertainment law," she said. "I'm very honored to be going to NYU. It's my dream school, my top choice."