Theater is more than pretending to be someone else and memorizing lines; it's about making unforgettable memories, becoming a better person and gaining a second family. Dublin High Drama is helping me reach my full potential and has shown me who I am and what I'm capable of achieving.

As a freshman last year, with no experience in drama, Dublin High Drama took me in and transformed me into a braver, stronger, and more confident actress and person. However, my growth as an actress is nowhere near over. This year, as a sophomore, I was faced with my first large role as June Hungerford/Daisy Belle in Dublin High's fall production of "Hide and Shriek." With the help of director Bryant Hoex and the overwhelming talent of fellow cast members, my growth as an actress hit new heights.

I was always interested in theater, but I had never acted on my interest until freshmen year. My first step into the world of theater began with my audition for Dublin High's 2009 fall production of "Much Ado About Nothing." I barely knew anyone, I was frightened, and I had no idea what to expect.

After making it through callbacks and finding out I had a part, I was officially a part of a new family. Before I even knew anyone's name, I had upperclassmen come up to me and ask how I was feeling and try to make me feel welcome. Before Dublin High Drama, I hadn't realized it was possible to be a part of a group so loving, caring, talented and welcoming.

This year, I received another chance to grow with my role as June Hungerford/Daisy Belle in "Hide and Shriek." In this play, I was faced with the unique challenge of being a nervous city girl and a rambunctious hillbilly. Mr. Hoex was there every step of the way and provided me with detailed notes on what to change and how to improve my characters.

Although Mr. Hoex is an enormous part of why I continue to grow and improve, my fellow cast members are the main reason.  As an underclassman, my rehearsals are spent watching the upperclassmen and learning the acting techniques that they use.

The juniors and seniors of Dublin High Drama aren't respected because of intimidation, but through their talent and experience. I had the amazing opportunity of having senior Alexis Neideffer as my double-cast for June Hungerford/Daisy Belle. I'm so lucky that I had the privilege of working with such an experienced and talented actress. I not only look to the upperclassmen for advice, but to the actors from the ninth and 10th grade.

The amazing thing about Dublin High Drama is that we are able to feed off of each other's talent and learn from one another no matter what our age or grade. I have no doubt that my friends in drama are the reason I've grown so much and was able to handle my role in 'Hide and Shriek.'

I've taken my final bow as June Hungerford/Daisy Belle, but my memories and the lessons that I've learned never will be forgotten. I'm looking forward to more auditions. With the continued help and support of my drama family, I will become the greatest actress that I can be.