By: Henry Isaacson

During Hershey High School’s first ever Community Day, students expected to learn about other subjects, but were learning about themselves.

High school is a time to figure out what’s next in life. Students are constantly searching for a new meaning, and today, they got their answer. Gathered in HHS’s auditorium, students were enlightened by the achievements of Jane Brockman. She shared what it means to succeed, and how to find a passion.

Brockman is now a professional actor and performer, but didn’t always start that way.

In her high school years, Brockman was more interested in architecture and interior design. She felt she had a future in it, and that these topics would lead her to success. Brockman was soon let down, as she was told that without a strength in math, architecture would be out of the question. But, she had a backup.

All her life, Brockman was a singer. Whether it was a choir, church, or just singing with the family, “There was no way to shut me up,” said Brockman.

It was her senior year when she was offered the lead role in the play Oklahoma. This was when it all clicked. From that moment on, Brockman set out to be the greatest performer she could possibly be.

As she left high school and attended Penn State University, she immediately joined the music program. She sang all she could sing, and took her talents to the top. Then she realized that she needed to get onto the stage.

At the time, PSU wouldn’t allow music majors to also join the theatre program, but after working the system, Brockman was able to join freshman acting for a non-major. Through this, she could still sing, but also perform like she always wanted to and follow her passion.

Brockman was later cast in a role on Broadway, spent three and a half years on a national tour with the show Wicked, and worked for the television show Law and Order.

Brockman came to HHS to share her journey as she pursued her passion. She believed that what made her stand out from the others, and find her click, was self educating. Brockman loved to teach herself new techniques and ways of performing, and felt that it gave her the extra leverage to do better in life.

She stressed the idea of self improvement, and wanted everyone to leave in search for their own joy.

“Joy is something unique to everyone, and you should never let anyone take it away from you,” said Brockman.