Girl Talk: Be Glee-full

Misty wrote: Hi. I’m a sophomore this year. I’ve never done anything extra like a sport or band. I kinda want to try something this year, but I’m afraid my friends will think I’m weird. My parents told me to do it if I want to and not to worry about what other people think. But that almost tells me it’s a dorky thing to do. I mean, if it wasn’t, they’d have just said that, right? I want to try out for the school play. It involves singing. I’m terrified to actually try out, but I really think I’d have a blast if I got the chance to do the play–and I’m not really a part of anything else. I kind of want to belong to something, and this is the only thing I’m even remotely interested in. What should I do?

Emily said: If this is something you really want to do, you should definitely go for it. It doesn’t matter who’s in it–it only matters that you have fun. You might be surprised to find out that some of your friends secretly want to do the same thing but are too scared.

Natalie said: I have somewhat of a similar situation. I’m absolutely in love with student council, but none of my friends are doing it this year. I don’t want to be surrounded by a bunch of people I don’t know and who aren’t even in my grade. The friends that I have who are doing it this year are in office (Prez, VP, etc) so I wouldn’t get to hang out with them anyway. I haven’t decided for sure what I’m going to do. I’m trying to get one of my friends to do it with me, but my plans are to go for it regardless of what my friends do.

You could try to find someone to try out with you. That way you’d have support if you both make it. On the

other hand, maybe you need some new friends, too. Don’t rule out the

value of doing it by yourself and being open to meeting new people.

Nicole answered: Hi, Misty! I’m so glad you wrote to us. First of all, I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been enjoying the full experience you could have been at your high school. Teams, groups, musical instruments…those are are wonderful ways to express yourself and grow. I’m never one to tell a teen to over-commit to things like that, but one or two special extra-curricular activities are great!

As for your concern. #1: I agree with your parents. Who cares what other people think? Even if they tease you for a little while, they’ll get over it when they come to the play and see how awesome you are! #2: Acting in the play, tryouts, singing, even dancing, are the farthest thing from dorky. They bring joy to a lot of people and offer entertainment to crowds not to mention the unity it brings to the cast and crew. I’ve been in plays many times in my life and there’s a feeling of emptiness when they’re over because the rehearsals and preparation are the best part!

I really hope you do it. You might be uncovering a talent that you didn’t even know you possessed–or maybe you did know and it’s time to show it to everyone else. Step out of that comfort zone and just go for it! When you get a little nervous, just remember that God made you just the way He wanted you. Ask Him for confidence to use your talents.

Go to the comment section (click comments below) to see a picture of me and a few friends on the set of a play the youth group did at my church.

Be sure to tune in to Teen Talk Radio at 10pm Est this week. The topic is everything related to show choir/drama club/ Glee (club and the show)/etc .

Readers: Have you ever been in a play? What part did you have? Extra points if you post a picture in your comment!

Girl Talk is a weekly feature of www.nicoleodell.com. Readers write with questions and dilemmas; Nicole O’Dell, Natalie (12) and Emily (9) offer their advice. By no means should any advice offered here take the place of parental or religious instruction. If you have a question you’d like to have the girls answer in a future Girl Talk post, you can leave a comment to this post or email: nicoleodell 6 @ gmail.com.

You might also like:

• Are you a Gleek?
• Look what showed up on my porch this morning
• Parent Talk: How can I get my kid to quit being a quitter?