Proof that theatre wasn’t the only place I experimented with identity
We’ve already covered theatre pretty thoroughly, so this might surprise you, but I didn’t put all my eggs in one dramatic basket.
I dipped my toe into other activities too. Briefly. Casually. Sometimes successfully. Sometimes just long enough to realize, ah, this is not my calling.
Soccer: The Art of Standing Still
I played soccer for three years—kindergarten through second grade.
I can’t remember what the green team was called, but I do remember being a Golden Eagle and later a Purple Wildcat, which feels important. Mascots matter.
I was often assigned goalie.
Not because I loved it—but because I hated running.
Turns out, I was actually pretty good at blocking incoming soccer balls. Quick reflexes. Solid stance. Minimal cardio. A win for everyone involved.
Cheerleading: A Short but Cute Era
I did cheerleading for one year—third grade.
I was on the heavier side, which meant I couldn’t fly, and that discouraged me more than I realized at the time. Still, it was fun for a while. Cute uniforms. Simple routines. Standing on the sidelines cheering for basketball games like we were truly making a difference.
My most vivid memory?
Stealing bubblegum from my teacher’s desk on the way to practice.
I regret nothing. 🙈
Student Council: Present, But Vague
In fourth grade, I was on student council.
I don’t remember what I did.
I don’t remember why I ran.
I don’t remember a single meeting.
But I served. Allegedly.
Sewing Club: One Quilt and Out
Also in fourth grade, I joined sewing club.
I made a small quilt. It was cute. Functional. A finite project with a clear ending—which, in hindsight, explains why I didn’t pursue sewing further.
One quilt was enough.
Middle School: Back to the Stage (Plus Music)
Middle school was mostly drama club, which we’ve already unpacked elsewhere. But I also did band and choir—and yes, that counts.
Music has always hovered around the edges of my life, even when it wasn’t the main event.
High School: A Creative Buffet
By high school, theatre was once again the anchor. But I branched out.
I dabbled in:
- Writer’s club
- Art club (strictly painting sets for plays—no free art, only service art)
- Stage crew (unofficially, because of course)
- Yearbook editor for two years
Yearbook was its own special kind of chaos—deadlines, layouts, captions, power struggles—and somehow I thrived there too.
Freshman Mentor: The Easiest Job I Ever Had
In high school, I was also a freshman mentor for a year.
A junior mentoring a freshman. Leadership. Responsibility. Guidance.
Perks included:
- A better parking spot
- Early dismissal
- My mentee never showed up
Truly the lowest-effort leadership role imaginable.
What All of This Tells Me Now
I wasn’t trying to be well-rounded.
I was trying things on.
Some fit.
Some didn’t.
Some existed just long enough to teach me what I didn’t want.
But every one of these side quests added something—confidence, curiosity, competence, or at least a funny memory I still carry.
Not every extracurricular needs to become a personality.
Sometimes it’s enough that you showed up, learned something, and moved on—a little more yourself than before.
And honestly?
That feels like success.
Leave a Reply