Managing Editor Maya Clement’s “This I believe” graphic is shown above. Clement discussed her experience with Canopy Studio, an aerial dance studio in Athens, and how she realized the importance of always having a place to feel free. “Canopy is my place. The one I can rely on. The one I can be myself at. The one where I’m happiest. The one I want to spend all my time at. The one I love no matter what,” Clement said. “I believe that everybody needs a place. A place where they feel comfortable. A place where they feel safe. A place that is always there for them.” Graphic by Anna Shaikun
Managing Editor Maya Clement discusses her belief on the importance of having a place to feel free.
Hi, I’m Maya Clement, a senior and the Managing Editor for the ODYSSEY Media Group at Clarke Central High School. This is “This I Believe.” These are essays that discuss the origin, importance, and rationale behind people’s personal belief systems. Students will share their personal essays discussing how these beliefs affect their everyday lives, times they may have been challenged, and how they may impact the lives of those around them. This is “This I Believe.”
I’ve always been someone whose mind races.
I constantly have thoughts in my mind or am trying to figure out what task I have to do next, rarely giving myself a moment to relax. When I’m sitting in my math class, I’m not just focused on the content, but my three other classes, walking my dog, some test I have in three days, what birthday present I’m getting for my friend and so much more.
Having my brain always running can get exhausting, especially with the many stressors in life such as school work, household duties and college preparations.
However, there is one place where my mind is silent. Where I am the most comfortable. Where I let go of my worries. Where I feel free.
This place is Canopy Studio.
For the past three years, I have taken trapeze and silks classes at Canopy, an aerial dance studio located in Athens. In August of 2021, I started out taking one trapeze class a week, feeling shy and out-of-place among the other people who had been taking classes for years.
However, even at the beginning, I felt a sense of belonging. While balancing on an ever-moving bar feet off the ground would be nerve-wracking for most, I felt at home. Instead of fear, I felt confident and empowered. Even with the most basic tricks, I felt a rush of joy getting to learn something new.
This led me to take more classes, improve my abilities and push my connection with Canopy even further. In August of 2022, I started taking a silks class and in August of 2023, I started taking two trapeze classes a week instead of one. The more time I spent at Canopy, the more love I gained for the place.
Eventually, in June of 2023, I started teaching trapeze to kids, allowing me to share my favorite place with others. Every week, I get to see each of them trust themselves more and find their own place in the room.
But, it’s not just what I get to do that makes me love Canopy. It’s the community of people, the growing passion, the mental freedom and so much more. To me, Canopy is more than a sport or hobby.
Canopy is my place. The one I can rely on. The one I can be myself at. The one where I’m happiest. The one I want to spend all my time at. The one I love no matter what.
I believe that everybody needs a place. A place where they feel comfortable. A place where they feel safe. A place that is always there for them.
It doesn’t matter where or how important the location is, but everybody needs a place where they can relax and be themself. For some, this place might be their bedroom or outside. For others, it might be a classroom or club.
With only a few months left at Canopy before I move away for college, I know that I will not just carry these memories forever, but remember the importance of always having a place to be myself and feel free. I’m sad to leave Canopy behind, but I know it will always be there when I need it the most, and I look forward to discovering my next place.
