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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: The Inner Person (09/09/10)
I walk through the campus quad, acutely aware of the eyes boring holes into the back of my sweatshirt. At the far side of the grass, I find a shady place to spend yet another hour in solitary. I sit, silently watching the activity before me. I want to get involved, to be accepted. Shoot, I’d even settle for tolerated.

Why are you staring at me? I look away, unnerved a bit by the look of condescension on your perfectly powdered face.

You see an overachieving geek.

Inside there is a brilliant mind, pining for another thinker with whom I can contemplate and philosophize. Together we could solve the world’s problems over lousy cafeteria food.

You see a mousy kid with stage fright who got stuck in drama class. (You can thank my guidance counselor for that one.)

Inside there is a showman! I know all of the lyrics from Guys and Dolls by heart. I could do the footwork from West Side Story in my sleep! My cat is my only audience, watching as I sing into my hairbrush at my bedroom mirror. I long for the day I can step out on a stage without having the sudden urge to hurl.

You see a klutz who wears her sister’s hand-me-down gym clothes to P.E.

Inside, well, I could care less about sports. You’ve heard it said that all jocks share a brain? I think whoever said it may be right. The whole mess of them can’t come up with an original insult to save their lives. I should know. I’m usually the brunt of them.

You see a shy wallflower in the corner, trying with all her might to blend in to the scenery.

Inside is a confident young woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to pursue it. I break away from the cheesy prom decorations and ask Mark Zimmerman if he wants to dance. I love this song. It could be our song.

You see a misfit, displaced in the echelons of the high school food chain.

Inside is a work in progress. I know I’m not all that, but I am comforted knowing God isn’t finished with me yet.

Standing here in front of me, you think you see me as I am. You don’t really see me at all, do you?
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This article has been read 1208 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/17/10
This is perfect! You captured how many teens feel inside. There's only a handful who are able to show their true selves to the world. Again you did an outstanding job on this topic!
Charla Diehl
09/17/10
You have accurately captured the trying and painful high school years for many students who go through them feeling unaccepted. Good work.
Genia Gilbert
09/18/10
This is great, and very on topic! Well written.
Sarah Heywood
09/18/10
I loved this - you did such an excellent job of capturing the angst of the teen years. I'm a mom to teens right now so this hit me a little bit extra hard. And, of course, I still remember those difficult years of my own.

Excellent work!
Kate Oliver Webb
09/19/10
Perfectly on-topic and very well written. Could have been musings by any one of us, especially during that awful teenage phase. I want to make one correction, however: the "I could care less" phrase really should be "I couldn't care less," although the former has become popular these days. Oh well, your soliloquy was spot-on. Keep up the good work!
Barbara Culler 
09/21/10
Absolutely true.

Wonder, however,how many kids actually realize their potential at that time???



Loren T. Lowery
09/21/10
Enjoyed this and the inner dialogue testifying to a little bit found in each of us. A work in progress certainly is a good summation of your MC. You did a great job at presenting this POV.
Christina Banks
09/22/10
Wow! Were you following me around in my teen years?