The first act has come to a close. The final note fades, the lights rise, and for a brief moment, the stage is still. But this silence does not mean the story is over. It is simply intermission.
In theater, an intermission is more than just a break. It is a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to prepare for what lies ahead. The audience replays scenes in their minds. The actors backstage catch their breath and gather their energy. Everyone knows the second act is coming, and it matters just as much as the first.
Now, as the spring semester ends, we find ourselves in that quiet space. Some may feel accomplished. Others may carry regret. But no matter how this act unfolded, arriving here means you kept going. And that is enough.
You might still be unsure of your next steps, and that is perfectly fine. Even in the theater, not every storyline is resolved in the first half. The most memorable performances are often those that grow over time, shaped by both hesitation and courage. This pause is part of your progress.
Maybe your goals shifted. Maybe you missed a few lines along the way. That is the nature of any real story. It surprises us. It stumbles. It changes. But it continues. And so do you. Growth is rarely linear, but every step—even a pause— is movement. Trust that even quiet moments are building something within you. When the lights dim again, you will be more prepared than you realize.
So, take this time to rest, not because everything is finished, but because you have come far. Celebrate what you have learned, even if it came through challenge. Let stillness speak before the next scene begins.
The curtain will rise again. And when it does, you will return not as who you were, but as someone who lived through the first act and is ready for the next. We will see you then, back on stage.