The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII

KENSLEY MOORE
LOIS COYNE, TEACHER
The Woodward School for Girls, Quincy, MA
When I was only two years old, my family moved to Massachusetts. We moved
in with my aunt and her dog. My sister started first grade, and she made a
friend, and they became really close. My mom met my sister’s friend’s mom,
and we soon learned that she was opening a theater business with my aunt.
My sister was really excited to join her drama classes. When she started going,
there were only a few kids.
I was only four, turning five, and I was shy. I was sentimental and very
emotional. My sister’s friend’s family was so nice, and we would hang out a lot.
They had their first play, Seussical, then they did The Little Mermaid, and finally,
I became old enough to start acting in the plays.
“I ACTED IN MORE
PLAYS, MADE MORE
FRIENDS, AND HELPED
OTHERS TO KNOW
THAT THEY ALSO
HAVE A CAST AND A
FAMILY CHEERING
FOR THEM TOO.”
I did not think I was capable of performing because I was such a shy kid. I was
scared I would mess it up for everybody. But it looked like so much fun,
because everyone was friendly, and they were always laughing. I felt really
scared, but then I found the courage to believe in myself and wanted to try
new things. When I got on the stage, I felt like I had a big family and a cast
cheering and supporting me.
I loved the community and my friends. Then, I realized that I could be
confident and loud, and I believed in myself. I acted in more plays, made more
friends, and helped others to know that they also have a cast and a family
cheering for them too. I learned that I can be myself, and I’m proud that I
have improved in my confidence. To this day, I still help others and show them
how special they are. I thank my second family, Mel O’Drama School of
Acting, for guiding and supporting me.
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND
VOLUME XXXIII
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