Mya McFate, a senior here at MHS, has now entered her final year of high school. As a very involved student, leaving isn’t going to be the easiest. Her high school experience has been heavily filled with activities, and the thought of no longer being involved makes her a bit uneasy.
When interviewing Mya, she was asked the question, “What three words would you use to describe yourself?”
The question stumped Mya at first, but she eventually came up with her answer, “I would say I’m charismatic, enthusiastic, and determined.”
Based on the number of activities Mya is involved in and the effort she shows, these words are proven to be very accurate. She is involved in student council, yearbook, newspaper, and, most of all, show choir.
Mya has been doing show choir since middle school. She had never thought of joining something like show choir, but when the opportunity presented itself, she thought it was worth a shot.
“Our teacher had said we were going to have show choir, and so we watched the high school show choir, and I was like, ‘bro, I want to do that,” Mya had stated.
She had quickly fallen in love with performing and continued her show choir journey in high school.
“Show choir is a place where everyone comes together, everyone is supporting each other, and there’s no judgment; everyone feels like they belong,” she said.
Not only does show choir make everyone feel involved, but it also helps them connect with people, not just connecting everyone together, but connecting people with pieces that they relate to.
She recalled a favorite memory of hers, saying, “We had a ballad that was composed and written for us…it was such a moving piece. It was my favorite performance because it really connected with me. And knowing it was written for us really deepened that connection I had with show choir. I cannot lie, I would cry on stage singing that song, it was so impactful.”
Mya obviously loves show choir, but of course, it’s never perfect. When asked if she ever thought about quitting, she replied, “Oh, every day. Every day. Every rehearsal, every second. Every day,” Though it’s sometimes difficult to keep up with, Mya would never actually quit show choir.
Along with show choir, Mya is very involved in student council, where she’s been organizing various school activities throughout high school. Amazingly, she’s also in yearbook and just entered her first year in newspaper as well, where she’s growing as a writer.
Her love for being involved is strong, but so is the stress. Balancing show choir and other activities on top of school has been difficult for Mya, as it would be for everyone.
“I don’t understand how kids can be involved in literally everything and also be taking like two APs, I’m in regular classes, and it’s been a struggle. I tried to take an AP once, but there was absolutely no time in my schedule. Sometimes you just have to choose between being involved and focusing on school,” Mya expressed.
After four long years of high school, Mya is a senior. Though she’s excited for new opportunities, leaving high school isn’t easy.
Mya stated, “I’m really scared to leave high school, college is going to be fun, but I’m definitely going to miss all of the memories, especially show choir.”
No matter the difficulties, show choir is the center of Mya’s life, and she’ll continue her love for music and dancing for as long as she can as she makes her way through her college journey.
“I want to go to college to be a music teacher…I’m not going to look for a college that has a good music/choir program, but if I get the opportunity to continue doing show choir, I definitely will,” Mya expressed.
Mya will never forget the memories and connections she’s made throughout high school and, more specifically, those from show choir. As her high school chapter is slowly coming to a close, her determination will continue to shine through.