"Take Care of Me" by Taylor

"Take Care of Me" by Taylor - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

In America they say “break a leg,” in France the pay say “merde,” and in Japan they say something that translates roughly to “take care of me.”

When I came in as a freshman, I was very lost girl and uncertain of what I wanted to do, and where I wanted to go. I had always had a love for music and acting, so I decided to channel that passion into my school’s drama department. I auditioned for the fall play, and even received a large role as a freshman, despite my lack of experience. The director -he became my teacher for AP Language and Composition my junior year, and my upcoming AP Literature teacher- was very intimidating to me, as he was loud, demanding, and knew what he wanted from his actors. I would be lying if I said he didn't make me cry on multiple occasions.

As for life lessons, before every show night as a cast we would come together in a circle and join hands. He would tell us that in America they say “break a leg,” in France the say say “merde,” and in Japan they say something that translates roughly to “take care of me.” We would then turn to the people next to us, hug them, and tell them to take care of us. We would make our rounds to every person in the room, and then we would take places for the show.

Though the ritual was simple, it was meaningful. As a cast we trusted each other like family, and we performed like one too. My director taught us all to set aside our differences, and to trust and put faith in everyone around us. He taught me that there is no room on the stage for negative feelings, and this can be projected into everyday life as well. A simple life lesson that taught me a lot.

After my final shows at Mexico High school this year, I may not remember how it felt during my first musical roles in “Annie,” and I may not remember the people that I performed with during my first play, “The Craving.” I may not even remember how it felt playing Mary Poppins as a junior in “Mary Poppins.” But, I will remember that I cared about each and every person on that stage I was with at one time or another. And I will continue to allow people to take care of me, and I will take care of them.