As we go from freshmen to sophomores, to juniors, and finally to becoming seniors, we frequently think of what being a senior entails: the role and responsibilities of a senior leader. While being a role model for the younger students is important, we also anxiously look forward to the privileges of being a senior. Many people look forward to the lunch trips, driving to school, and leaving during a free period, but there has been one privilege I have been most excited about during my time at Oak Knoll: performing in the Tableaux in the Christmas Prayer Concert.
It was a regular day at Oak Knoll as I sat in my calculus class aimlessly scrolling through Pinterest when I saw I had one unread email. I clicked on the email from Mrs. Bennett that was received only “10 seconds ago” that stated: “looking for volunteers to participate in the Tableaux.” I knew it was fate, so I immediately responded to her email and began picturing myself shining on stage and my name in everyone’s program.
And so I was cast as one of the Shepherds, and the rehearsals immediately began. There wasn’t a lot of time to rehearse before the concert so we had to be efficient each rehearsal, which was never the easiest. It’s not easy to stare at your friends, arms up in the air, and not move a muscle. The first day was one of the hardest as we struggled to stay still and hold in our laughter. One of my favorite moments was when I learned I had to squat in a lunge position without shaking or laughing; it took some practice. Finally, the dress rehearsal in front of the entire school came, and I, along with my other friends, were terrified we would laugh on stage. But, lo and behold, we succeeded! However, the last show was when something unexpected happened. The show was going great until we reached the final scene, where everyone was on stage. My friends next to me started giggling quietly, and I immediately lost it. On the bright side, as the whole tableaux soon started laughing, the audience could only see us having some issues with staying still since we were laughing too much.
One thing happened that made me wonder, “What are you doing?” along with laughing, I started to tear up. I don’t know if it was because I was laughing so much or because I realized this was such a fun experience that brought me closer to other girls in my class. One thing I don’t think is talked about enough is the importance of how senior year is a time of reflection where you realize you experience the “lasts” of key events, and it forces us to appreciate these moments so much. I will always remember how when the curtains closed my friends and I laughed even harder and how we stayed on stage appreciating the wonderful memories we had made over the course of a couple weeks.