Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and explore their creativity.
High School Students Discover Valuable Skills and Learn Life Lessons in Confidence
Encouragement for Students Who Apply
Most, if not all of us, have experienced feeling afraid when stepping out of our ‘comfort zone’ – of doing something we’ve never experienced before, or contemplating participation in an activity that might cause us to believe we’ve failed. We often say to ourselves “I don’t think I can do this!”
Even as adults, when that fear hits it can consume, even paralyze us. To retreat and ‘play it safe’ may even seem like the best, easiest, or safest solution. With that being said, it is no surprise how impressed and privileged I feel when watching area high school students audition for Lake Region Arts Council’s (LRAC) “Arts Mentorship Program”. By doing so, they not only confront their fear, they overcome it.
The Arts Mentorship Program provides scholarships to public, private and home-schooled students in the 9th, 10th and 11th grades. This program gives them the opportunity to study with a professional artist – a mentor – for 15 hours during the summer months. Students can choose to study an art form such as dance, music, theater, visual art, creative writing, costume and set design, architecture, etc. All applicants must audition in front of a panel of jurors in order to receive a scholarship.
“Do It Afraid!”
On occasion however, students may need support prior to their audition. With just a few minutes to go, I have seen applicants consider not going through with an audition because of their fear. Students may not understand that even without the promise of a scholarship, confronting their fear can be an empowering and valuable experience as well as a beneficial life skill. Giving in to such fears will only rob them of the chance to see how strong they truly are, as well as the chance to have a priceless, artistic experience with a mentor. After all, true success doesn’t come from being awarded a scholarship, but in having the courage to step into their fear.
Instances like this are the perfect opportunity for a family member, friend, or even a stranger who understands what the student is going through, to give support that encourages them to “do it afraid!” - to confront and overcome their fear. Not only can this encouragement help them conquer their fear at the audition, but it can also help sustain that success throughout the mentorship if awarded a scholarship. Most importantly, this can help them be confident in their ability to successfully confront trials they are sure to encounter as they move forward in their lives.
Empowering students to confront their fears and try new things is a valuable lesson.
A Chance to Display Newfound Skills
For those students who are awarded a scholarship, the positive impact of the Arts Mentorship Program can be witnessed first-hand at the annual Showcase, which is held at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls every October. This is a platform for students to share all they’ve accomplished during the mentorship.
It is when you see their success on display – when you see them beaming with joy and confidence - that you experience the manifestation and beauty of their courage. Perhaps such courage is due in part to your gift of support; a gift that can indeed inspire a student to “Do it Afraid!” – AND SUCCEED!
To learn more about Lake Region Art Center’s Arts Mentorship Program, check out the ‘Arts Mentorship’ playlist on the LRAC YouTube channel.
