Being an ambitious person, my original capstone idea was far beyond what I had the time and effort to complete. At the beginning of high school, I never would have recognized it as much for me. When it comes to my capstone, I am most proud of how I let go of my walls and took a step out of perfection. Letting go of my original idea, I took on one that I could be excited to complete, instead of the constant stress of will it be enough. On top of that, I shared a side of me most people were never allowed to see. Vulnerability is hard, and for that, I can be proud. 

One of the biggest struggles I had in my Capstone project was timing and collecting the resources I needed. I spent the week before my performance scrambling to obtain all the flute pieces I required, instead of practicing my storytelling aspects. Were I to do this project over again, I would be more flexible with myself and the pieces I chose. Instead of being set on doing samples of each marching band show, I would have taken a step back and analyzed my situation first. 

My project was intentionally centered on personal growth. I recounted my journey through high school by way of storytelling and sharing art that has been impactful to me. I centered different portions of my preformace to different experiences. This included those in theatre, and my growth from a little choir kid to obtaining the role of Dance Captain, my senior year. To help the audience understand my experiences in band, I described the family connection formed among the members. Following that, I played samples of each of my marching band shows. While the audience may not have fully understood the connection I have to the music, I was in that moment, reliving my greatest moments and darkest hours of marching on that field. Personally, I reflected on how I had grown during these experiences and poured my heart out in a way that the audience could catch a glimpse of them. In the latter part of my project, I cracked open my heart and recounted my hardest moment. As I prepared for this portion of the project, I spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on these experiences. What I learned, how I'd grown, and what parts still needed to be resolved were all intricately incorporated into my capstone. 

With no hesitation, I can say my extracurricular activities are the places where I have grown the most over the past years. Being involved in so many different activities, time management, prioritization, and burnout have become very real to me. I have had to learn how to manage my life with precision and care. While these lessons pertain to after-hours activity hours, my time spent actively involved has taught me no less. I have learned that the best of art is created when the artist puts their heart fully into what they are doing. Each theatre performance becomes all the better when you are passionate about what you are doing, feeling every beat of that moment. A marching band show has more power when the performers give their all to each step and note. My time spent in my extracurriculars has taught me what my passions are and how I can express them in my own art. 

A common question that I get is what it is about performing that I love so much. With no hesitation, I always respond the same. No one is changed more by a performance than the performers themselves. I learn important life lessons alongside the characters I portray, and am permanently changed by every performance. The arts have taught me how to analyze my experiences so I can learn the most out of them. Incredibly, the arts simultaneously give me an outlet for emotion and an escape from the weight of my life at any point in time. 

After high school, my life will change drastically. I intend to move away from my family. I am anticipating that change to be very difficult, and already know that art and poetry are where I will turn for emotional relief. Art is something I could never let go of. Going into college, I fully intend to continue cultivating my artistic abilities. Particularly through classes and involvement on campus. 

One of the main ways I intend to include artistic experiences in my life is through raising a family of my own. Music has brought my family together, and I wish for the same experience for my own children. While this is a long-term goal that may not take effect very quickly, it is extremely important to me that art is constantly present in my life. More directly after high school, I intend to move away from my family. I am anticipating that change to be very difficult, and already know that art and poetry are where I will turn for emotional relief. 

There are many lengthy essays I could write about what I wish someone had told me as a freshman. However, there are a few main points that stand out more than the others. First off, take every opportunity you are handed. A wise woman once told me, "You miss all the shots you don't take". There is truth in these words; if you don't take the chance, you won't grow from the experience. Even if you don't get the role or the solo, it is a growth opportunity that can take you to the next level. 

Secondly, the biggest enemy to growth is judgment. When I refer to judgment, I am speaking of non-constructive thoughts or words that place anyone as greater or less than anyone else. This includes yourself. Giving yourself grace is important, and knowing that an art is a personal journey is critical. If you love what you do, then let that be your reason for doing it. If you let comparison take over, it takes you out of your own art. 

Finally, just laugh. When you mess up, laugh, learn, and move on. If it's not perfect, that's okay! Perfection is absolutely impossible when it comes to art. When you get tired and start feeling doubtful, laugh and remember why you came in the first place. Laughter changes every dynamic, and while it may seem odd to include among the most important pieces of advice, it makes all the difference. You're in high school, so enjoy the moments you have. Don't let them get too tense, laugh!