I lay on the stage of the auditorium, lights beating down on my back and the audience peering up from their seats.

I realized it would be one of my last times performing at the high school. The four other dancers onstage continued to dance slowly across the stage, doing movement I choreographed for them.

I was proud of their ability to understand my ideas for the piece and thankful for their hard work. I smiled at the floor.

A few minutes later, the music ended and the lights faded out. I walked downstage and took my final bow for the piece I had created. 

I will have performed onstage at the high school roughly 50 times by the time I graduate, ranging from my very first orchestra concert, sitting at the back of the second violin section in November 2011 to dancing in Música y Cultura in a few weeks.

I will graduate with triple the number of elective credits required, all in performing arts disciplines. Needless to say, all these classes and performances leave me with a packed schedule most of the time. Some days I arrive at the high school at 7:30 a.m. and leave at 10 p.m.

But I would not change my experience for the world. Through classes, rehearsals and shows I have made some of my closest friends and developed close relationships with my teachers.

We share memories of late-night dress rehearsals and early-morning classes.

The thing that has affected me the most, however, is how the faculty pushed me to become a better artist.

They help me embrace new styles of dance, encourage me to take on difficult pieces in orchestra and teach me how to choreograph my own work.

This year in particular, I have been challenged to expand my knowledge of the arts and take risks in my decisions, whether that be to choreograph a dance piece entirely on the floor or tackle tricky harmonies during musical rehearsals.

The teachers I have learned from have been with me every step of the process, gently guiding me in the right direction while still allowing me to have my own voice.

Four years ago, as an eighth grader signing up for Intermediate Modern/Jazz Dance and Orchestra, I would have never imagined myself requesting to do an independent study in choreography or sitting first stand in my section in orchestra.

I would like to encourage everyone at the high school, rising freshman or current students, to take a class because it genuinely interests them, not just to fulfill a requirement.

You might be surprised at how you can exceed your own expectations and discover a new passion. As cliché as it sounds, the years go by quickly.

Take the time to explore your curiosities and surprise yourself in little ways during your short time at the high school.

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