Although I am more than content with how my life has planned out, there are a few choices I made that I wonder about. What if I really did choose band instead of theatre all those years ago? What if I chose not to run for secretary of Drama Club my sophomore year? What if I didn’t go to that church retreat my freshman year? But the one decision I always go back to is one I made during my sophomore year.
After, “The Odd Couple,” and, “The Wizard of Oz,” there was one thing I was sure about: I needed to quit one of my electives. That year will forever inspire nightmares. Ever the over achiever, I was in all Pre-AP classes, JV cross country, theatre, and the youth group at my church. Before “The Odd Couple,” I thought everything would go perfect! I had cross country practice during both the early mornings and afternoons, and theatre rehearsal during the late afternoons! It was my first show, I was the head JV runner, and the year looked amazing! Sure I was attempting to do AP World History (WHAP) as well, a subject I was never great at, but it would be fine. Due to the ‘perfect’ scheduling though, I wouldn’t be getting home until seven to eight at night, and I still had to eat dinner, shower, and tackle my homework. After a series of breakdowns and late nights, I finally dropped WHAP. And while it did relieve my stress tremendously, it was obvious by the end of the year that I needed to quit one of the extra-curriculars.
In the end, I chose theatre over cross country, a decision I have never regretted. It has brought me so many amazing memories and friends, while also teaching me leadership skills. And though I’ve never regretted the decision, I’ve often wondered what my life would be like if I had chosen cross country. I’ll sometimes see pictures posted from the girls who continued the sport; their triumphant smiles beaming after completing half marathons and color runs. The pride they hold deep inside is evident. With workouts scheduled into each and every day, their bodies never lose their tone. Every morning they bond with a relaxed run, relieving their stress and relaying the latest gossip. Their walls continue to collect shining medals and trophies, no matter what place they come in. They keep track of their Personal Records and celebrate each time they break them.
If I Could Get