Monochromatic. ​​/ˌmänōkrəˈmadik/ adjective: “having or consisting of one color or hue” (Merriam-Webster). 

“Monochromatic” was the name of my freshman year winter guard show. The marching show began in grayscale, with plain-black clothes, gray flags, along with white rifles and sabres. As the show progressed, my teammates and I swapped our dull flags with shades of the rainbow.

Our production told a story of overcoming challenges and continuing to strive for a life full of color. As a rookie guard kid starting high school during the pandemic, its theme echoed my own life.

Pushing through an ever-changing environment proved difficult when I was an underclassman. I preferred to keep my head down, get my work done and generally move swiftly and silently. It worked out for me; I got good grades and had my close circle of friends. 

But, like everything else seemed to, I also changed.

As corny as it may seem, the marching arts got me out of my shell. When joining guard, I initially felt so uncomfortable with the steps I had to take out of my comfort-zone. Meeting new people, trying new things, bending my routine… embarrassing myself; then getting back up. 

Getting over the fear of potential failures I would endure in high school was something I needed to do both in and out of guard. Within my rehearsals, performances and competitions with incredible staff and teammates, I was given the strength to push through the learning curve. 

My new surroundings shaped me as both a student and individual. As time went on, I became a student leader, joined new activities, made goals and prioritized my happiness. Guard became both my muse and my outlet. 

I’m eternally grateful for North’s color guard program and the Plainfield Winter Guard organization. Being a part of these amazing groups has been an absolute honor. The respect and kindness I’ve been shown here will stay with me for the rest of my life.

To the guard underclassmen, I can only hope that I helped you like Kristian, Ava, Meghan, Jenna, Kayla, Makaila, Serenity and the Sarahs helped me. I foresee when it’s time for you to move on from the Plainfield marching arts programs, you leave with amazing memories.

To everyone I’ve met through guard, know that I’m thrilled you could be a part of my journey. My future guard career is still uncertain, but I know that when I start at Purdue this fall, I will fondly reminisce on my high school experience.

To Ty and Cas, thank you for it all.

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Patina. /pəˈtēnə/ noun: “the surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age” (Merriam-Webster). 

“Patina” was the name of my senior year winter guard show. Our production told a story about change: scary, glorious and absolutely inevitable; something that I now welcome.