Creative Outlets

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“Since Rachel joined Drama Club, she's been more talkative and I daresay she's made more friends because of it,"

Raeanna Labrador said.

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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  October 29th, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii
  
  It can be very difficult to feel comfortable in your own skin, especially if you’re a teenager. However, creative outlets like Drama Club have been proven to increase confidence, especially in teens.
  
  Junior Rachel Marshall is living proof that the creative arts can change a person’s life.
  
  “Before I joined drama club, I was really, well awkward and I didn’t have many friends and I just, I wasn’t having a good life. Drama club changed my ability to make friends because it helped me learn to trust people more, and they were like the first people that ever really heard me I guess,” said Rachel.
  
  However, last year, Drama Club advisor Ms. VanHentenryck had to move, and the school decided not to hire a new Drama teacher, thus putting an end to Drama Club and any creative outlet the students had.
  
  “When I was told that they might cancel drama club, I was really upset and kind of almost depressed because drama club was kind of the thing that brought me out of my shell and allowed me to meet so many amazing people that I really care about today,” said Rachel.
  
  Rachel’s friend and club president Abreenie Padeken said, “Drama Club has really helped people come out of their shells and sparkle like jelly fish.”
  
  Not only do these programs help students to “sparkle,” they have also been clinically proven to relieve depression among teens. According to an article Chris Iliades, MD wrote, art therapy is a unique approach to depression treatment that helps you get in touch with your feelings and use creative expression as an outlet.
  
  With this in mind, you can imagine the relief Rachel felt when she found out another teacher would be taking over Drama Club.
  
  “This year’s drama club seems to be pretty good so far, I miss my old advisor Ms. V, but the new ones seem like they’re pretty cool but it seems like they’ll do a good job.”
  
  In addition, Rachel’s peers have witnessed firsthand the gains she’s made socially and emotionally since she joined Drama Club.
  
  “Since Rachel joined Drama Club, she’s been more talkative, and I dare say, she’s made more friends because of it,” said Raeanna Labrador.
  
  Rachel Marshall is living proof that something as simple as an after school activity can change a person’s life for the better. She found her sparkle.

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Looking back

Marcela Bator, Reporter

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Kelcey Spencer, Photographer

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