If you have been unfortunate enough to have endured being a freshman in high school, then you know just how awkward, scary, and lonely it can be. Especially for me, a natural introvert coming from a small, safe middle school to Hopewell: the second largest high school in the nation. I was trying to find my niche in the overwhelming sea of students. I finally found an outlet in theatre. I loved the sense of community and working as a team towards accomplishing a unified goal. So, when I got an email from Jen Band, someone I had worked with in the theatre community, asking me to come to an interest meeting for a new organization, Playing For Others, I readily agreed. If only I knew what was in store.
My first year in PFO I was voted secretary of the Community Outreach committee, and honestly, I was terrified. I had no clue what a secretary was suppose to do. I didn’t even know what minutes were! It was a bumpy year, full of learning through trial and error. After the culminating show of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” I found myself crying almost uncontrollably and I knew that I was hooked to this organization. The second year of PFO, I was given the amazing opportunity to serve as chair of the material advertising committee. Being a chair was a challenge. At times I thought I was not going to make it through the whole year, but I did. I learned how to step up and be a leader, as well as take initiative and the ever important lesson that it is not about me. During my third year, I decided not to apply for a leadership role, but ended up realizing the power of leading by example. This year I am thankful to be part of the Teen Executive Committee, or the A-team. It is crazy at times and I have learned a lot about flexibility, but honestly, I can’t imagine it any other way.
During my years in PFO I have continually been stretched and pushed outside of my comfort zone. I have had the opportunity to be confronted with my own stereotypes about people with disabilities, other teenagers, and myself. I have discovered that I am definitely not as introverted as I thought I was. I have found a way to use what I love to benefit others. The phrases “tax-deductible”, “401c-3″, “in-kind donation”, and “corporate sponsor” are part of my everyday vocabulary. I found that the lessons I learned in PFO colored every other aspect of my life. I am kinder, a better listener, I have more self-confidence, I have learned how to articulate myself and how to break down the prejudices people have against teenagers. I feel comfortable talking to important adults, and I am more socially conscious and a better global citizen.
Playing For Others has changed my life. I know that I am better prepared to face the world I will soon be entering because of my time here.
