Reflecting on my past four years

“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts…” –William Shakespeare

From the moment we are born, we are given a stage that is ours to decorate and transform. Our lives are filled with numerous performances, and one of my most significant shows has taken place the entirety of my high school career. Living my life as a performer and demonstrating my talents has led me to an understanding of what it truly means to be a vessel of expression on the stage of high school.

In the opening act of my freshmen year, I arrived on stage with uncertainty and wariness. I stepped into an act of challenge, and through such challenges the performer within me was born. The stage was set with a music stand and a clarinet, and the scene began with numerous musicians surrounding me. Being among others, I was hidden away. However, the notes I had essentially became my script. Thus, through such art, something within me was born; a flame of motivation was ignited. I was no longer the soft spoken individual others set me out to be. Instead, I led the performance, while others followed. I proudly gave my bows and watched while the curtains closed, concluding my freshmen year.

Before I knew it, the red curtain began to open again. This time the spotlight was on me, making my performance more intimidating than ever. I was now the president of my sophomore class, the lead part on stage. However, when I looked around to begin my performance, the stage props were distorted and unfamiliar. I was left to improvise. Instead of running backstage in fear, I took this challenge with ambition and drive, and gave the best performance of my life. The crowd roared, and the curtains closed. I took this drive and created a recurring theme in my junior year performance. I studied vigorously, and devoted my life to all of my classes just as performers would with their script. I was motivated to take my role as a student to a new level of success. This motivation and drive has enabled me to weave through rigorous coursework, allowing me to achieve highly in my studies. 

The final act had just begun. It is my senior year. The wing doors have sprung open, and several performers walked proceed on stage. They were my classmates, my friends, and my support system. Their presence has helped me learn the meaning of being both a leader and follower on my stage. Together, we have created a beautiful scene of unity, leading each other to success, and before we knew it, the scene will be ending and the stage doors closing.

And just like that I will again be alone, center stage, and face to face with the audience. This time, however, no wariness will fill my conscience. For once, I will be strong and willing to show my true colors, modeling myself just as the “player” of whom Shakespeare speaks.

I have made many entrances, as well as numerous exits, through my high school career. And as expreseed through this post, music and the arts have always been close to my heart. This is an honor to both my love for education and my journey of expression. I was blessed to experience such a great four years, and cannot wait to begin my new role in higher education expanding my mind.  

I look forward to sharing  my new chapter of life to my hometown patch website. Until that day, have a fantastic summer!