What role has art played in my life?

First off, I will respond to the articles. I appreciated the first article about the different functions of art, but I was also frustrated because I thought it was oversimplified as she said some might think. I am not an art history major, but my mom studied it and I just know from her descriptions that there are many more functions than just those listed in the article. That being said, Esaak did a good overview of the types of functions, so don't think I am discrediting her. As for the second article, I appreciated seeing the evidence of the children who benefited from the arts but I was frustrated with the statistics of the schools that did not require arts. The arts changed who I am and I am so thankful for the opportunity.

As an elementary student, I was shy for the most part. I did fine in math and science and whatnot, but I was not happy there. I found out in fifth grade that one of the teachers was going to direct a Shakespeare play and that I was able to audition. I was skeptical, but I knew I wanted to perform, so I auditioned and I made it! I have been acting, singing, and dancing ever since then and I must say, if it weren't for the arts, I would not be the person I am today. The arts allowed me to be things I wanted to be but never could be, do things I never could do. It was so important to me. This past summer I directed people with disabilities in a production of a show with great results. I watched people come out of their shells and feel more sure and confident. I will put a lot of trust in art when I teach because it has done so much for me.

Davis Haines
Syracuse University