Last June, I graduated high school and had to leave behind so many amazing people. I had tearful goodbyes with my friends and family, but by far the most tear-filled goodbye I received was from my high school drama club. For the first time, I closed a show and had to face the fact that I would never perform on the stage that had been a second home for so long.

My director gathered us in a circle before our final opening scenes began and pulled the seniors into the middle and made small a speech about our accomplishments and how much we would be missed. While all this was happening the seniors held hands in the small inner circle and one by one we started to cry; slowly the outer circle that was filled with our underclassmen cast and crew also began to cry. I watched this go on for three years before I was a senior and every time I watched the seniors cry and hold hands and go on stage for the last time it was such a crazy idea that one day it would all just end. But here I was holding the hands of classmates, some of which I had known for nine years, and preparing to say our last lines and take our final curtain call.

Four years ago, when I started high school as a very small, scared freshman I saw the school's production of play called Football Romeo; I sat front row and watched in awe, knowing that I needed to be on that stage. And from that day on I have never left the drama club; over those four years I met the most amazing people, sang, acted and learned so many important lessons. That club showed me that there was a little safe haven for everyone; somewhere you could go and be surrounded by the sweetest people and do what you love. Not only were the people amazing, but the skills I acquired are immeasurable.

When I started high school I was too afraid to raise my hand and ask to go to the bathroom, but by my senior show I was performing a monologue to an audience upwards of 350 people with ease. I became very comfortable speaking in front of large crowds even outside of a theatre setting, slowly I was able to present to my class and even speak at school events. Most importantly I learned how to work as a complete unit (tech, crew, and cast) to create something amazing.

I will never be able to thank my drama club enough for the support, friendship, and skills I received from them. I cannot recommend drama enough and I hope everyone is able to have as amazing an experience as I did. I miss each and everyone dearly and I know I will never be able to replace my special little patch of paradise.