This Doesn’t Feel Real.
As I walked to the bus at 5:30am, I had no idea what to expect for our first show. Was this actually happening? The week before was full of show run throughs…I never thought the day would come that I would actually be talking in a school. It didn’t feel real. Sitting in the cold bus trying to stay warm, I put my iPod in and frantically began reciting my story over and over in my head. I tried to catch an hour of sleep, but it was impossible!
As we pulled into the school parking lot it was still dark and it felt like we were just going to a new location to practice show run throughs. We began setting up and it started to feel more real. There were kids coming into the hallways and looking in the doors to see what we were doing. They could hear the bands music and were already interested!
It was almost ready to start the show and all of the kids started cramming into the gym. I started to get really nervous. This WAS really happening. We are not just practicing in a room full of empty chairs. There were 12 & 13 year old students and teachers waiting to hear what we had to say. It had to go smoothly. Allie, Shane and I took our places at the back with the sound board, lights and laptop and waited for it all to begin. Our team leader, Shane, said his lines and the show began! Everything went great and then it was my turn to go back stage and prepare to speak. I have never spoke in front of people, other than my close group of friends. I was always the quiet one who’s face got bright red when she spoke and kept to herself. As I stood back stage my mind went completely blank and I didn’t think I could do it.
As I walked onto the stage, in front of all those kids a huge feeling of relief came over me and it wasn’t so bad after all. I felt relaxed. All those kids wanted to hear what I had to say. They were actually interested. They looked up to me. It was amazing. It was the first time I wasn’t scared to be in front of so many people.
After the show the girls went crazy for the band, Bondless and the rest of us took opportunities to talk to the students and get to know them. I have never been asked for my autograph before or been asked out by a 12 year old boy… twice! Just to let everyone know, I did have to shut him down. I think he understood.
After we got back onto the bus to head home, I was already thinking about our next show and how excited I was for it. I am excited to get on the road and meet more amazing students!
Jessica, a School of Leadership student on Team 1
