I grew up watching my older cousins in all their high school shows. I was always in awe of them and wanted to be in shows, too. Unfortunately, my school didn't have a drama program until I was in fifth grade.

In fifth grade, the principal announced that they would be starting a drama club that year, and the musical would be "Rock Around The Block". I was cast as an ensemble member, a cop, and a backup dancer for "Ziggy".

I remember having so much fun at the first rehearsal. We played some theater games and got to know each other. I was the only girl in my grade to be a part of it because there were only four girls in my class. But I still had the time of my life, and the other girls came to see the performance.

Also, that year, I joined a Drama Program, called "Drama Kids International", that was outside of school. I made some great friends that were just as weird as me. I was in the shows in that program from fifth to seventh grade. There, I was able to be myself, and I felt like a good actress because everyone got a role. There was no "ensemble".

The next year, I was Kate, an orphan, in "Annie Jr". I never heard of Annie before that. So, when they announced the show, I watched it immediately. Again, I was the only girl in my class to be in it.

I don't remember much from that show because it was six years ago, but I do remember my one singing line in "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile" . The famous line was: "That Matters". I even remember the "choreography" that went with it!

In seventh grade, I played the role of Toto in "The Wizard of Oz". My mom made me a onesie with "fur" on the outside and I looked cute as heck. I remember the girls in my class making fun of me for being a dog, but looking back at it, that was my prime.

The drama teacher made it a speaking/singing role, so I was in almost every scene. I was a lead, and I was the best dang Toto there was.

In eighth grade, I was the queen in "Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella". That year, I wasn't the only girl in my class to be in the show, but I still had a great time telling the peasants what to do. I didn't really tell anyone what to do.

In high school, I didn't join the Drama Club until sophomore year. I loved every moment of doing all those shows, and I'm so happy I joined eventually, instead of never.

Throughout my middle school and high school drama programs, I've learned a lot. I've learned to be myself, no matter what, because people will like you or dislike you no matter who you are.

I've learned that being weird is okay. I've learned that shows are A LOT of time and effort. I've learned to manage my time.

Finally, I've learned that you have to do what makes you happy.

I don't know what my next few years hold for me; hopefully I'll be in more shows, but I'll take what I learned while in those three drama programs, and I'll use it.