So Many Eyes

I remember the AP English class after my experience with meeting David Sedaris.  Even the morning after, I was still feeling a mixture of excitement and sadness, because after all, "It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time" (Wilde 31). A good portion of the class is a blur, but I cannot imagine a more embarrassing, yet favorite day. I entered the room, fully prepared to start telling Ms. Serensky all about what had happened. Before I could even say anything, she grinned and proceeded to ask, "How was it meeting him?" I was slightly confused, because I was one hundred percent sure that I hadn't said anything to anyone at the school, but then she explained. "Mr. King was there, and told me about it." In all honesty, I must say, "[I] wish they understood that there is joy in this fact, greater joy" (Currie 302) than I had experienced in any other class. I'm not quite sure how to put it, but it makes me uncomfortable, yet proud to know that other people know of my accomplishment. Not that meeting David Sedaris is an 'accomplishment,' but the act of speaking in front of thousands of people as I introduced him. I didn't explain much, however, as I took my seat and Ms. Serensky started class. I was surprised though, when she proclaimed that the next few minutes would be spent focusing on me as I explained what had happened, and then others could ask questions. Again, I felt uncomfortable as all eyes were on me, but then I was reminded of something: I had a couple thousand eyes focused on me during my introduction, so why was this more difficult? Probably because I actually know my classmates, and will see them for months to come. Speaking in front of a bunch of faceless people is easy, because it isn't intimate. Speaking to a small group of people you know personally? That is ten times more difficult. I recollected the events nonetheless, to which everyone was generally impressed or, at the very least, surprised. I even remember someone blurting out how they wouldn't have been able to speak as I had done, but I rejected their claim: "I think thou art just, and think thou art not" (Shakespeare 3.3.382).While I do believe public speaking to be a talent of sorts, I still think that anyone can do it. I appreciated the praise, but it's something that any person could do if they believed in themselves enough. So yes, it is impossible for some people, but only because they don't believe they can speak in public.

Class continued on as usual after the short diversion, but it was definitely a defining moment in my high school career. Luckily, I already possess an ability that many will not have for years to come.

Unfortunately, I'm terrible at a lot of other things, like pronouncing long words.

Also, I need this shirt.