I Am...

I think I post here too often. Oh well. Hey guys, it's me. Happens to be probably the only 8th grader that checks this blog. I just want to say thank you. And here's why.

I know I wrote about how Seals kept me sane, like Erica, Mr. Wagon Seal, and probably you. But now thinking back, you taught me something valuable. Confidence. If you knew me in 6th grade, you probably knew I was an EXTREMELY socially awkward child, who tried everything she did to keep her sanity. Well, that ended up failing, and I went to 7th grade, with a sense of loss and failure. You know the rest, blah blah blah, Seals changed my life, yup. But the one value I overlooked was confidence. I mean, you can compare me now to my former self. I now have more friends, know how to lead, and be organized (to some extent). I can now stand up for myself and my own problems, contrary to what my parents believe (but they still are supportive!).

See, what made me realize this is last year, when I started to go to Church again, I met Chevas. He was pretty much the typical asian 24 year-old. Except he had a future that I wanted. Something that I wanted to strive for. See, while I was being an awkward child, he took notice of me (not in the way you think). He, for some odd reason, saw potential in me. So then while I'm playing guitar in the corner, he asks me to sing for him. At this point, I had never, EVER sung in front of anybody, let alone a stranger. But I do. Something just compelled me. And that small bit of courage has brought me here today.

I am a Monk Seal. I am a singer. I am a stage manager. I am part of the tech team. I am all of these things because of a bit of courage that CLS taught me. Something that we people call Fail Gloriously. Right now, I'm getting psyched up for a performance tomorrow. It's my first performance since 5 years ago, as a tiny 3rd grader. Do you know how scared I am? You probably do. And I cannot tell you on how blessed I am to do this, and how grateful I am for you guys for giving me the opportunity to join the Troupe. So I am. I am who I want to be. I am who I am, because of CLS.
-Marie
P.S. To all the freshman out there: Have fun @ the academy improv thing! Koalas I believe... We're coming after you ;)