The Columbus School Drama Club is encouraging students from Elementary and Middle School to pursue the arts by providing opportunities to sing, act and perform.

Eighth grade teacher Marta Vargas started a drama club with her students. They usually meet every Thursday afternoon in the school’s theater.

“All of the school should be included in this club so more people feel like they are doing what they like, and this club and electives are doing exactly that,” said Elisa Jaramillo, 8th Grade Student.

There has always been an issue with the art programs due to the lack of encouragement from the school. In the last year, the school has implemented new electives making the art-interested students feel more satisfied.

“This year there were a lot more options for people that want to explore the arts like Drama, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, etc. and I think it is very important for students for students to have those options,” said Daniela Villegas, 11th Grade Student

There has been a variety of new programs and clubs, like the Drama Club, that have boosted up the support the school gives to the arts programs. This program is very inclusive but only younger students are participating.

“I think the only problem with the Drama Club is that most of us don’t know about it. I really enjoyed participating in Drama Club when Pilar was in school. The school “encourages” it by just adding it to the extracurricular activities but not by really telling us and pushing us to join the club,” said Luis Miguel Agudelo, 12th Grade TCS Student.

Students in TCS feel like the school does not give the arts the importance they should, mostly because of the conservative way of thinking the community in Medellin has.

“Lots of people here in Medellin are not okay with other people studying anything that is not Engineering, Medicine or Business. So the school leaves all of us who like the arts behind,” said Villegas.

The club is helping students, that were too afraid to participate in the arts because of social oppression, feel safer and they can become critical thinkers to learn new things and to some extent, be happier.

“I didn’t think this is the activity for me, I am too shy and I am scared of what my friends will say but I am up to try something new,” said Jaramillo.

Kids that have different academic interest will leave their comfort zone and start to explore new possibilities and ideas. Students believe this is a great opportunity but will only work if they know how to encourage students from all age groups.

“I think this club is going to open up possibilities for students that are too scared to do what they like to do and kids will have a safe place to do what they like to do and we will all feel represented,” said Villegas.