Professional:
1.) One that is characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
2.) One who is participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs
3.) Having a particular profession as though it were a permanent career
Profession:
4.) a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation
(All definitions from M-w)
"She hopes to continue her singing and acting career and recently auditioned for the show America’s Got Talent" (Straight from her website, notice the use of the word "career")
Sooo...
#1: Check, she is technically trained (who knows what ethical standards opera singers have)
#2: Check, She has worked as a section leader, in a Philharmonic Ochestra, and sung in a sold out stadium (though I have no idea how often these bouts of work occur and how much her husband is carrying her)
#3: Check, She actually even refers to it as a "career"
#4: Check, Graduated from Universidad de Guadalajara as a music instructor and studied voice, participated in the International Institute of Vocal Arts summer program, and Graduated from Moore's School of Music at the University of Houston with a M.Mus. (Master of Music)
Oh hey... Look at that... By definition.. She IS a professional. If you get 5+ years of specialized training, have worked extensively in the field, have a post-grad degree in it, and refer to it as a "career"... Well... you're probably a professional...
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