It's (Not) All About You

     Growing up, we're constantly reminded of how great we are. We're told "You're so smart, and pretty/handsome, and so talented." With that amount of distorted confidence instilled, we're set up for a huge letdown. For some people it happens early, for example, in middle school when you're not sitting with the "cool kids" at lunch. You think, "Why aren't I cool enough to sit by the fountain with Tommy, Lindsey, Eric, and Jessica?" Or in high school when you find out you're struggling in a class that no one else seems to be having trouble with. "I thought I was smart! My family always said I was going to get into Harvard!" you exclaim. It wasn't until this year, really, that I came up with the conclusion that none of it matters.

     Sure, people judge you on your looks, your grades, or on your talent. But what we don't notice is that the overall effect we have on a person imprints the ultimate impression. How did we make them feel? Did they laugh? Did they get inspired? Did you happen to calm someone down while they were stressing out? Did you, whether it be minute or extreme, cast a difference in their lives?

     In our English class, we were required to perform ten lines or more from Hamlet. Our teacher instructed that it was solely a soliloquy; in other words, we were on our own. I'm sure it was one of the most nerve-wracking things most of us had to face. We had the pressure of remembering ancient Shakespearean lines while performing it with great, "Gusto!" While I was researching about what to blog, I came across this post that gave me more confidence. It didn't assure me that I was good enough, advise to be pretty enough, or taught me tricks to act well-enough. It stated that no one really cares. People have their own trials and tribulations to worry about. Sure they'll watch you while you're in the spotlight, but as soon as you come off the stage, they'll return to their own worries and thoughts. However, the article did mention that emotions are contagious. If you're not nervous, the audience won't get nervous. If you're sad, the crowd will be too. So with those two things in mind, I went up and gave it my all.

     After my teary soliloquy performance, it was really novel yet interesting to be told by a few of my classmates that they had wanted to cry too! No one commented on what what I wore and how I looked appearance-wise. (It was during finals, and finals week equals "look-like-a-homeless week".) How I motivated them to feel, was what they remembered.

     I wanted to spread the word that the goal of living isn't necessarily about bettering or making a name for yourself. It's about supporting your peers, improving your community, or even helping senior citizens walk across the street. I know that you know how amazing it feels when you've opted to help someone else out. You've made someone's dreadful day a little more hopeful and it's simply because of the way that you made them feel.



-Pamela

PS. I thought everyone could use a little Mean Girls reference in their lives:

Scene from Mean Girls