Entry 29: "The Final Curtain Call"

As I reflect on my senior year, I am overwhelmed with all of the valuable lessons I have learned through my triumphs and my trials throughout the course of this year. God has been faithful from day 1, even through the tearful stage of choosing a project. I remember choosing a project was so difficult for me and I felt as if I would never complete that stage. I spent my whole summer fretting about the ordeal. However, by God’s grace, I was directed in pursuing a project that involved two of my passions: Drama and children. I remember thinking it was too good to be true.  The project proposal time came, and I made the board members act as trees, and then the ball started rolling. At first the kids were timid, but I could tell by the gleam in their eyes they would grow to love Drama.  As the semester continued we explored concentration, theatre etiquette, props,  projection, staying in character, and we all had fun in the process. As December grew closer, I knew that I was not ready to say goodbye to the kids and decided to focus on refining the kids’ drama skills. The process of directing the play was stressful, but one of the greatest experiences I have had throughout my Oakbrook career. I had no control over the kids’ performances because they were the ones to memorize their lines, gather their costumes, and develop their character. All I could do was encourage them in their process and in the discovery. It was a very rewarding experience and I thank God for the opportunity He granted me to work with such wonderful kids, and teachers, despite the roadblocks of snow days, scheduling problems, and sickness. The kids exceeded expectations and I am very proud of what they accomplished and I hope that teachers will be able to continue using drama to explore the wonderful world of the arts and learn more about themselves and their own passions.