High school doesn’t last forever, but the memories will. As much as some people would like to get out of school fast, there are so many great things about being here, and the best part for me is the love and joy I’ve found in theater. I’ve grown and developed so much from being in Green Room and from meeting new people there. Unfortunately, with the musical wrapping up, this will be my last show with them. This is my goodbye to one of the greatest things to happen to me in high school.

In my freshman year, I didn’t want to do anything other than school itself. I was content to keeping all of my time free. My parents definitely didn’t want me doing that, however, and so I joined theater as part of the crew. This was very different for me because I had never worked backstage even though I had acted in some shows at other schools. I was new to it, but I immediately fell in love with the work I was doing. Everyone was supportive, and it didn’t just feel like a crew, it felt like a family. I was a pretty quiet kid at the time, but I came out of my shell more around the black box.

Throughout the years, new members have joined, old members have left, tears have been shed and laughter has been shared. What is most painful for me is that this year; it’s not just one class leaving for me. It’s like they all are, and I won’t be able to see all of the new members come to enjoy this experience as much as I have.

I’ve done my fair share of acting and tech, learning about lighting and construction, setting up decorations, memorizing lines and rehearsing with close friends. I’m not the same quiet kid I was when I started. Each show, each conversation, each project we worked on together, they all taught me a bit more about who I am, and I’m proud to say that Green Room is a part of my identity that has changed me for the better.

If I could do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing. This home away from home was the place where my social life came together and expanded, and where I became who I am now. It’s so sad to be leaving, but the theater will never leave me. It isn’t really goodbye, just see you later, Green Room.