I wasn’t always like this; I could walk, run, cheer, and dance. I was free and independent living my life with ease until one day in fifth grade, a rare disorder paralyzed me and everything in my life changed.

I didn’t belong here. No one knew who I was and I definitely didn’t fit in. I wasn’t into agriculture and I wasn’t an athlete. On top of all that, I was the new girl in a bright pink wheelchair. Standing out from the minute I entered the doors, becoming the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. I was uncomfortable to say the least, feeling like I had nowhere to turn or anyone to go to. My second lunch period of high school was spent in the nurse’s office bathroom due to the fear of not fitting in and being insecure about how I got from place to place.

It took me until my first or second drama class to find the shining light in the black box, Nancy Green, and suddenly my love of theatre came rushing back.

Theatre and I lost touch after my paralysis. After all, who would want to see a girl in a wheelchair on stage? Standing out because I couldn’t stand up, dealing with these things internally while remaining strong externally and losing touch with who I really am. When auditions came around for the musical, Footloose, I didn’t want a big part. I was going to costume or be on tech crew to be as far from the spotlight as possible, but Mrs. Green didn’t let that happen. I auditioned and was part of the ensemble, a role that some may seem as small, but made the biggest change in my life.

Rehearsing was hard, not because I had any lines to memorize or solos to sing, but because I was sitting there looking at my peers doing everything I used to do that I physically couldn’t do anymore. I was trapped in my own body, wanting to dance and jump around, especially in such a dance- heavy production.

Mrs. Green was there to help me break out of the shell I formed around myself. She knew me when I was young, 9 years old if I remember correctly;  she knew what I was capable of, she believed in me when I forgot what it was like to believe in myself. Thanks to Mrs.Green I rediscovered who I was and preserved to face adversity in my life. Three years later and I have been in nine productions on the NHHS stage, directed, costumed, and been a part of tech crew for countless others.

High school is four years that will help shape the rest of your life. I’m not talking about the math problems or science equations you learned how to do, but the everyday things like stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and overcoming adversity is what’s going to matter in the end.

So as my high school career comes to a close, I would advise those facing any challenge, big or small, to find your momentum.  If you’re someone in need of motivation to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, this is it. High school doesn’t last forever, but what you learn from it does.

What they say is true, you learn from your past but only you can decide if you grow from it. If you are looking back at your high school career and decide you haven’t tried anything new. The good news is there is always college, or if you’re not going to college then there groups and sport teams around the community. Or if you were injured playing the sport you love, find a new activity you enjoy just as much.  Now is the time to try things you never thought you  would do and adapt to everything life throws at you .You only get this life once, make it count.