Senior Fifi Tran is ready to rock this year with a new lease on life.

“I spend the first two years of my high school playing tennis and did community service because I was forced to do two after school activities. I do love them, that’s why I choose them, but don’t really like the idea of being forced to do them. So in my senior year, I am looking forward to contribute all my power to what I seriously want to spend my time doing and that is theater.”

Tran has made adjustments to her senior schedule to allow for less stress, more relaxation, and time to do what she loves.

“I want to spend more time to do what I want to instead of what I suppose to do. Instead of pressuring myself with APs and honor classes like I used to do the last three years, I chose two English classes because that is my favorite subject. I also have women’s fitness, to make myself work out and stagecraft because I want to learn how to use power tools and spend more time with theater. I stop forcing myself with the “perfect and hard-working” schedule,” Tran said.

After four years at Darlington, Fifi’s favorite high school moment comes from her experience with last year’s winter musical, Little Shop of Horrors.

“I made a very emotional speech about how much I love the theater program. That was an unpleasant moment, and I was so embarrassed by it. But as I think about it, it should be recorded as a memorable moment. It is for the first time I actually put my feeling out there. For the first time, I get enough courage to speak out the word that I have been keeping in my mind for so long,” Tran said.

Tran’s love for theatre has continued to grow throughout the years.

“I told them [members of the theatre company] I would love to continue the theater program even I have to sweep trash and by every way, sincerely meant by it. And so I did. I continue to be a part of two productions after that, and it has been one of the most pleasant experience ever,” Tran said.

Tran’s involvement in theatre has not only shaped her high-school career, but also provided a role model in the form of theatre director Shelley Daniel.

“I used to, for some reason, believe that it’s better to get people to help you and do things for you. But that is not the case for Mrs. Daniel. Mrs. Daniel would do anything she can, include building, which I previously don’t think of it as a women’s job. To a degree, she changes how I think about the world around me and force myself to do more things by myself,” Tran said.

Off the stage, Fifi has seen a change within herself through a developed love of English.

“I will miss Mr. Marshall’s English class a lot,” Tran said,”It’s in Mr. Marshall class that I realize how much I love English. But I learn something more than that. I learn how much a person can put into something they truly love. Mr. Marshall and his love for the books we were reading are indescribable. To actually get emotional and to be empathy for the characters in the book was an impossible thing for me, and unbelievable to observe my teacher doing it,”.

Although parting with Darlington may be difficult, Fifi Tran is prepared to begin a new chapter in her life.

“I am happy to move on to another phase of life in college. What ever happen in Darlington will be carried with me throughout my life. I change so much in a way that I barely recognize myself, for better. For Darlington and for myself, I promise serve and put others in front of self, treasure the wisdom that Darlington bestows upon me, and always look forward to honor as the guide for my actions in life,” Tran said.