Author: Maisy Armstrong, Student Technology Consultant
Wake is a highly academic institution and as a student, you are constantly surrounded by talented people. This is one of my favorite things about our school: if you talk to someone, they likely are talented in one way or another. They may be a gifted musician or actor, a natural talent with math, an athlete, or a business professional in the making. Despite genuine admiration for my peers, on occasion I have found myself intimidated speaking with others who enjoy passions similar to mine. In these moments, I always seem to come back to this message that I found in a social media post during high school.
“Draw stick figures. Sing off key. Write bad poems. Sew ugly clothes. Run slowly. Flirt clumsily. Play video games on easy. You do not need to be good at something to enjoy the act. Talent is overrated. Do things you like doing. It’s ok to suck.”
I love the idea behind this message- even some of the individual examples speak to me. In an environment in which the people around you are talented, don’t give up doing the things you love just because you’re not as good. I find solace in playing the ukulele and singing (often off key). Having friends who are natural vocalists or musicians does not diminish the enjoyment that I get from messing around on the uke. I know I’m not going to be, nor aspire to be, a famous ukulele player, so I will continue to enjoy my moments on the quad slowly strumming along.
This same logic can apply to any of the passions you’re nervous to practice. If you’re interested in photography, go out and shoot regardless of how the photos turn out! If you love to write, don’t worry about creating prize-winning short stories, put words down on paper and love the time spent doing so! You don’t need to monetize or impress with your passions: do them to find fulfillment.
In the context of Wake’s impressive academic, social, and activity-based atmosphere, we’re praised for being good at things. I would like to praise you for being mediocre or even bad at the things you love to do. Keep doing them for yourself and for your own contentment.
Cover art done by Jeff Pittman. Check out his website here!