Throughout the earlier points of your life, you slowly discover your own passions. Some find joy in academia, others sports, art, music- the list goes on. I happened to find my solace and self-expression outlet in the performing arts. I loved to sing, dance, act, and several other related things. Most people join clubs and organizations for extracurricular activities, but me? I joined a performing arts studio where I could train to my heart's content. When I became a part of this institute, I had no idea just how special it would eventually become to me. Here are just a few reasons of why studio family is the best family:

1. You go through crazy rehearsals together.

Crazy can be defined as: 48-hour, slap-happy, non-stop, rigorous, etc. These can be applied separately or all together.

2. Three words: Bad. Dance. Pictures.

One of my personal favorites:

3. You put on false lashes for each other.

You really have to trust people to let them put on your fake lashes.

4. You perform in 32 degree weather together.

It's either that, or 100 degrees.

5. You eat food together. A lot.

You are often, if not always, the loudest people in the restaurant too. Even if there are just two of you.

6. You get to witness each others' growth.

Most people join studios for a long time. Sometimes parents put their kids in dance by the time they can walk. When you're together with a group of people for so long, you earn the privilege of watching them progress and vice versa.

7. You get yelled at together.

You're 20 minutes late, but at least you know your friends will be standing beside you when you get ripped to shreds!

8. You're more tightly knit than that scarf grandma made you.

There is no filter and no crevice of personality unexplored when it comes to studio family. You know each other inside and out and in turn can be with a group of people who love you no matter what.

9. You see each others' best... and worst.

It all comes out in class. You see everyone's greatest artistic work, their struggles, and also personal highs and lows. The best part is that it never leaves the room.

10. You get to go on exciting trips together.

Whether it's to Disney World, the Kentucky State Fair, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, or to someone's church, you're always going somewhere fun to perform together.

11. Everyone is supportive.

There is only cheering for one another's success. Be it at competition, auditions, performances, or even just in class, everyone is always rooting for one another.

12. Studio family is forever.

Even though I've graduated and I'm now about 737 miles away, I know that my family is always there. No matter where I am, where other alumni are, or how old any of us get, we will always have this family to come home to. There truly is no family comparable to a studio family. I'm so grateful that I was able to make mine a part of my life. It's a family that will never be forgotten.