Stage Fright

One of the things I promised myself I would do is get back to the things I love before I start college. Writing, reading, traveling, and equally importantly, music.

Music is something I've done since I was little. Both of my parents are musicians, and by the age of four I had learned to play the piano. I picked up the guitar when I was in fifth grade, and in sixth grade, I began writing music with one of my best friends. This music progressed and suddenly, we were performing at open mic nights and local concerts around town. I hated this. My best friend was the girl who could absorb the spotlight and spit it back out of her in the form of greatness. I pretty much just cowered in the corner.

However, we did this all the way until I got to high school, and by that point, I had even started to love performing. Stage fright still haunted me every time I got on stage, though. No matter how much I loved it, the thrill of a crowd, I still had the pre and post-performance nerves.

But this year, I decided it was time to buck up the nerve and just do it. So I tried out for my school's annual benefit night, "Night of Knights" and I got in. Last night was opening night, and it went so well! I loved being on stage, I loved the audience, and I loved the people I got to work with.

I guess the point of all this is as follows: Sometimes our friends drag us kicking and screaming into things we don't want to do. Living, taking risks, being great. And we have to know the difference between peer pressure and our friends being brave when we can't.

Thanks, Sophia. For all you've done for me and for all you've taught me to do. You are forever a great friend, and I am so proud of you.

Now, there are a million songs that remind me of you. Countless songs by Ben Folds, Jack's Mannequin, Green Day, AC/DC. But this song always reminds me of what we did and how we used to be. Happy graduating!