A Movie Comes to Life Through Milton Hershey School Graduate

By Dominique Dargan ’21

As someone who has been a part of the Milton Hershey School Class of 2021 since fourth grade, I am proud to say that through all of the hardships we faced—we made it! The milestone of graduation is only the beginning, our journeys are far from over and our movies are still being written.

We are used to hearing the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Common answers were a doctor, fire fighter, or maybe even a super hero. When reality sets in, the question turns to “What do you want to be doing in five or 10 years?”

These are lofty questions, but since enrolling at Milton Hershey School, the community has helped me to not only find my purpose, but my passions. Since I was eight years old, I dreamed of being the star of my own movie. During my time at MHS, I have come to learn that there is so much more to the entertainment industry and that I don’t want to read lines—I want to direct them.

The MHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and Electronic Media and Journalism career pathway opened my eyes to the possibility of filmmaking, directing, and creating the characters audiences look up to.

When I reflect back on my time at MHS and the Class of 2021, I realize that we are all writing our own movies—it’s the story called life. We are the main characters and this defining moment is an important and impactful scene.

Graduation is just one of those scenes that the Class of 2021 has in common. This very impactful scene is not the closing credits, it’s not even the climax. We are still rising with the plot of our life. There will be twists and there will be critics that try to stop or derail your vision for the rest of your movie. But the Class of 2021 knows how to persevere and is going to do amazing things as Milton Hershey School graduates.

Class of 2021, thanks for playing so many life-changing roles in my movie. You went from strangers to family. Thank you for letting me do the same in your stories.