Why Performing Arts Should Be Required by Meklite

Why Performing Arts Should Be Required by Meklite - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

Throughout kindergarten to 8th grade, I stayed in the same middle school. The teachers saw me as their kid and watched me grow up to the woman I am today. I grew up with those students as if they were my brothers and sisters. Being so used to a close-knit environment like that was so comforting, but in some way restricted my need for other relationships outside of that space. It seemed I only knew how to talk to those teachers and students freely due to their familiar faces.
Once I graduated in 8th grade, everything changed. I realized my social skills were not as good as they used to be in middle school. I went to high school not knowing how to introduce myself properly. I began high school not being able to look anyone in their eyes. Every day felt like a loop; I woke up, went to school, came back from school, did homework, and slept. It was difficult for me to make friends during this period in fear of being judged or stared at. Eventually, it got to a point where a change had to happen.
Then, I joined dance. I used to be into Tik Tok dances when I was younger so in my mind, I thought dance would be easy and push me out of my comfort zone. On the first day, I felt embarrassed. Everyone’s confidence in themselves weighed my confidence down. I felt I didn’t belong there and that this was too much for me to handle. But I refused to switch classes, I knew this is what I needed to push myself.
After a couple of weeks, we had a group project to do where we had to perform at our dance recital. We were put into groups and had two months to complete our dance. The first couple weeks were horrible. My whole group was quiet, and we showed no progress. As I saw everyone showing progress in their dances, I decided to take charge. I got up and asked everyone what we were doing. I recommended some videos I saw online, and we began to form a dance. Me and my group started to get closer to one another and we formed a group chat. This part of dance taught me how to take initiative. If I want to get something done, I must communicate my thoughts and ideas, or progression will not be shown.
Practicing our dance during class in front of everyone was nerve-wracking but it helped me realize that making mistakes in front of people is okay. Nobody is perfect growth comes out of failure. I reminded myself of a quote that used to stick with me every day: “Who am I to judge when I myself walk as an imperfect man.” This quote helped me release my fear of being judged and accepted not only by others, but by the person I am.
It was the day of the dance recital, me and my group finalized our dance, and we performed. It wasn’t the best work but the fact that we figured it out and did it as a group and along the way made friends. This made me proud of our accomplishments. It wasn’t the people looking that bothered me anymore. It wasn’t the people judging that unsettled me anymore. I was content with who I am and what I have achieved. What other people thought didn’t matter anymore.
That’s why I believe a performing arts class should be a required class in high school. It changes your perspective on how you see the world. It surrounds you with people that want to help you reach your goals. It increases your confidence, collaboration skills, and your creativity.