Meet Christine Oswald

We were lucky to catch up with Christine Oswald recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

I’m sure many people in my life would call me a risk-taker. I think this began from an early age when I started acting. There is a certain level of risk and vulnerability in every audition and every time you step on stage. But I found quickly that the risk is often worth the reward. We only have one life, so why not create a story worth telling?

This mentality prompted me to study international relations and see as much of the world as possible. At 19, I took an internship in South Africa (canceled flights, lost luggage, and all). I know for a fact a lot of my people thought my parents were crazy for letting me go. But they knew it wasn’t worth arguing with me once I made up my mind.

While in Cape Town, I went bungee jumping and did a cage dive with great white sharks. But I honestly don’t consider these some of the riskiest things I’ve done. I took a teaching job in China for several summers and moved to Brussels, Belgium for grad school without ever visiting. Risky? Sure. But these were some of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an actor based in Atlanta, GA, pursuing a career in film and tv. Since returning to acting in 2021, I have appeared in several independent films, tv shows and commercials. When I’m on set, I feel alive and completely immersed in the present moment. I can’t imagine doing anything else!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’ve always struggled with anxiety. Even as a kid, I had issues with panic and catastrophizing. Along the way, I’ve had to learn to prioritize self care. This isn’t something that’s taught to kids (especially girls) but we truly cannot show up for ourselves and others if we’re not taking care of ourselves. I’m very intentional about daily movement, journaling, meditation, and most importantly, getting enough sleep!

Another major skill (one I’m still working on every day) is communication. My family and friends are the most important things in the world to me and it’s impossible to maintain relationships without regular and honest communication. I think the biggest mistakes I’ve made in my life could have been avoided had I prioritized communication. It’s not always the easiest path but it’s the only way to make real connections with others.

Lastly, I believe empathy is a quality that everyone should prioritize. I’ve always been curious about how others see the world, how they live, and their history. This is one of the reasons I studied international relations and minored in cultural anthropology. When you sit down and listen to others’ stories, your perspective shifts and compassion follows. Currently, I’m able to contribute to this through my art. When someone watches a film, they are spending 90 minutes in the shoes of another person. As actors, we have the opportunity (and obligation) to shine light on struggles that others face and create empathy in each audience member). This is one of the reasons I am so grateful for this career path.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

I have to give all the credit to my parents. They raised me with an innate sense of self worth and confidence. They made sure I knew that I was special and could achieve anything I put my mind to. I am very conscious of the fact that not everyone has this relationship with their parents and I never take it for granted. They are still the two people I talk to the most! I truly would not be who I am without their love and belief in me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: christineoswald
• Other: https://IMDb.me/christineoswald