THE FIRST SHOW

Tatyanna Azevado-Maia climbed up the steps and walked out onto the large wooden stage. She looked out into the audience, hoping to see a familiar face that could bring her some sort of comfort, but she could only see darkness. A heavy silence filled the air. For a freshman as shy as her, it was mortifying. She had never been on the stage. As much as she loved theater, she had always been part of the stage crew running the show. Surrounded by peers who had so much talent, she didn’t think she was ever going to be able to start her lines. Trying to shake off the nerves, she began to recite what she knew. She finally finished and stepped off the stage to her family. Her little brother complimented her on her performance, and her mom told her how proud of her she was. The support she received from her family after such a stressful moment nearly brought her to tears. That moment taught her that high school wouldn’t be a scary place or a place that would make her feel alone. It made her realize that if she just put herself out there, she’d be okay.