"Open a new window, open a new door. Travel a new highway, that's never been tried before, before you find you're a dull fellow, punching the same clock, walking the same tightrope as everyone on the block." So begins a song from the Broadway musical Mame. When you begin a new chapter in your life next year, you have looked at what you want to keep, what you want to leave, and what you most assuredly DO NOT want to try. Now tell me what one new thing you DO WANT to try. Maybe you want to major in Physics and plan to spend 90 hours each week in an underground lab. Hey, if that floats your boat, great. Yay, you. But I want you to toss brand new ideas around here: this Physics major might never have played sports before, but has always wondered "what does Salman do out on that golf course for hours at a time? Salman is a fun guy, golf must be fun, I'd like to try it." Colleges have TONS of activities, clubs, trips, sports, - you name it - just for your testing. What's your secret passion?
Alright, you got me! I’ll just come out and say it. I love to sew. Weird right? Coming from the girl with a singing passion who loves basketball and biology, sewing wouldn’t really cross your mind. It all started with my dolls Britney, Soraya, and Rose when I was about eight years old. Every day when I’d come home from school I’d use my mother’s sewing kit to make each of them a new outfit. I had an entire box full of their clothing: From shorts, to pants, to shirts, even to jackets. Don’t think that they were as small as barbies, these dolls were huge! They were almost three-quarters of a meter. Ok maybe not that tall, but they were large enough to actually fit into clothing.
ReplyDeleteHow did I learn? I didn’t really learn. From time to time, when I would visit my grandmother, she would always be making a new outfit just for fun. One day I asked her to show me how to use her sewing machine but she refused. She told me that I had to learn step by step and that the first step would be to learn how to knit. I was kind of disappointed at first, but at that age I had already learnt that in order to make it to the top, you must start “somewhere”. That “somewhere” was at the bottom, for me. Luckily, it didn’t take me long until my knitting was perfect. Next, I went to the needle! I remember it being so much fun. I would always look forward to going to my grandmother’s house because I knew I would be sewing something new. Getting to use the sewing machine felt like I was receiving a diploma. My first try: EPIC FAIL. However, after that, I mastered it. Today, I have pretty much stopped sewing but I know that if I had continued, it would have been a great way to divert my mind in a different direction. In college, it will definitely be something that I would want to start again. Well, everyone has a random hobby. You might not want to admit that it’s there, but deep down, you know that it’s what makes you unique.
I like it. In your college choices, sewing may not be readily available in elective choices, but try the theatre departments. I paid my way through grad school working in the costume shop (free tuition AND a meager salary that covered rent and gas, and I gained quite a bit of skill level.) Enjoy and please show off your latest creation when you go back to it. Knitting first, hunh? Who would have known.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to sing my heart out in front of millions of people on X-Factor. I’d like to sing my heart out to the judges, Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears, and Demi Lovato. Now I know most of you reading this are thinking “coming from the one who is ALWAYS either told to shut up or is insulted when she starts to sing?” You see, I love to sing. Now I’m not talking about the professional “I’ve got an amazing voice that will take me very far in life and one day earn me millions” voice, but instead, the “I really love to sing even though I’m not very good at it” voice. However, I’ve got a reputation of not singing well at TASOK. EVERYONE in high school knows Farah Ismail can NOT sing.
ReplyDeleteIt all began in the 9th grade when the song “If we ever meet again” by Timbaland and Katy Perry came out. I was absolutely crazy about this song. Crazy might even be an understatement; I was obsessed with this song, and all I did was sing it, until one day, my friends got frustrated of hearing my “annoying” voice. “Stop singing Farah, it’s irritating,” Salman told me. Yet, I continued to sing. “Farah seriously shut up,” Jeremy yelled across the room. This time again, I laughed and continued to sing. Class went on; I continued to sing, and before I knew it, class was over. Everyone began to make their way out of the room except Salman, Jeremy, James, Alina, Roshni, and I. These were my best friends. We did almost everything together and our relationship together was similar to those of siblings. “So you didn’t want to stop singing ey Farah?” Jeremy told me. “Yep,” I said and purposely started singing loudly again just to annoy him. Little did I know that my big mouth would lead me to a situation in which not only my mouth was taped, but also by arms and my legs. I stood there, unable to move, as they all laughed at me for not listening to them. However, I laughed along with them because I knew it was all a joke and a way of teaching me to shut up sometimes.
Ever this that “one incident” everyone at school knows that I don't have the most amazing voice out there. Yet, that hasn’t stopped me from doing what I love and even though everyone was shocked and maybe a tiny bit afraid deep down when I decided to join choir, it was my senior year and nothing, no one was going to stop me from taking a class that I wanted to join since the 9th grade.
Farah, I love that you took the risk this year with choir. Does this prompt mean you are going to take it a step farther next year and try for a performance group on campus? or that you want to take advantage of private lessons in voice? Remember the prompt, what activity, class, etc do you want to try for the first time next year?
DeleteWe all know what reputation Indians have with rapping and rap music. Imagine a 5-foot Indian girl from New Delhi in the Democratic Republic of Congo fascinating rap music. The first time I came to TASOK, no one had any idea how obsessed I was with rap; from Drake, to Lil Wayne, to Tyga, and even to Rick Ross. However, my all-time favorite and future husband is Drake. By now, everyone knows that I have an obsession for him.
ReplyDeleteOne day, in my Chemistry class two years ago, my classmates, and I were free styling before the teacher arrived. To my surprise, as shy as I was, I actually stood on top of a chair and started to rap the verses from Drakes song “HYFR” that I had memorized the night before. As soon as I was done, everyone just stood there staring at me. Their jaws had dropped, their mouths remained open, and their eyes were glued on me. Was this a good sign or a bad sign? I jumped off the chair and sat down. Their eyes followed my every move. My insides were spinning. I did not know whether they were shocked that I could rap, whether I had sounded ridiculous, or whether I was downright amazing. Luckily, as soon as Jennifer started clapping, everyone “woke up” and the entire class erupted into a loud applause. From that day on, I knew that rapping was definitely one of my passions and a true talent that I had within me. Today, my entire class knows me as “Shreya Drake Kayastha.” This is not only because of my remarkable ability to rap but because they all know that in the future, Drake and I will be referred to as “The Rapping Couple.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have a true obsession.
Okay, I just watched a youtube to see your future husband. Hmm. I am with your classmates: mouth agape, wide-eyed and stunned. Didn't see this coming.
ReplyDeleteSecret passion? Woah! I had many secret passions like singing, dancing, cooking, and ect but eventually I just gave up on them because I felt like none of them fit me perfectly. What perfectly fit me was a “Makeup Artist”. Past the few years my interest in makeup has grown. I love colours and maybe that’s one of the reasons I am attracted to it. Second I’ve been putting makeup on myself for a pretty long time so I am aware of all the pro and cons of it. Third and last I am really good at putting makeup. TRUST ME I AM!! I am not trying to be cocky but many people have told me that my ability to apply makeup is great. 2 years back I was stuck on majoring on Makeup Art and Design that’s when my mom told me that “you can surely minor in it but major nah nah.” These words just discouraged me and I never talked about it anymore. Honestly, I feel the one reason my mom doesn’t want me to major in Makeup Art and Design because apparently you earn less and majoring is too time consuming. Although I stopped blabbering about it I would look on YouTube for Makeup art and other makeup tutorial videos. Later I would also try those tactics on me and as time. Maybe I don’t know as much as I should to become a perfect Makeup Artist but I think do have enough knowledge to start off well. If I ever, ever get a chance to minor in Makeup Art and Design I wouldn’t think once before doing it. Yes, I love makeup and everything about it.:)
ReplyDeleteCheck out film and tv make-up artist. There are actually certificate programs for them and they do make good salaries on average. I have a friend who did wig-making and he has been working full time for 35 years - never out of work and travels the world with his skill. Depends on your financial needs.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think secret passions are to be said out loud but I will talk about one of my passions. When people look at my long nails they directly think that I don’t do household. They think that I have people who do everything for me which is not true because mom wants us to be independent. My mom used to force me to work which I didn’t really appreciate but today I am thankful to her because I can cook to save my life. I love good food and I have to work to have my good food.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was small, I used to play with my friends and I was always “cooking”. I was taking flowers, tomatoes and salt in the kitchen and “cook” vegetables. First, I didn’t like the fact of learning how to cook because my mom was forcing me and my sisters. After I was getting used to it and I started to cook with my grandmother. She taught me how to cook fish and good pondu.
My love for good food got me passionate with cooking. I love being in a kitchen full of spices and try some new recipes. I don’t have specific recipes when I am cooking because I love trying to stuff. Yes, I would like to be a business manager but I would also like to go far with my cooking skills. I enjoy cooking for the people I love and I love the critics they make because it helps me to improve. I love the smell of food and spices, it is just amazing. And I am able to work with my long nails people!!!
I have a friend who says cooking is sharing love. So in cooking for your friends and family, you are sharing your love with them (and keeping them alive, too). Glad you have a practical passionate way to express yourself artistically - and with long nails.
DeleteI literally fantasize my college life! Unlike high school where only limited amount of activities are offered, college just bombards me with opportunities and chances to participate and to enjoy variety of experiences. There are more than one activities I want to take part in: Choir, Rock band, Environment Protecting Circles and Women Baseball Team. If I have to choose one, I would say “Rock and Roll!”
ReplyDeleteEveryone knows that I love to sing but I don’t think anyone would imagine me leading a rock band. (A rock band I am discussing is not a hard-core rock band but a band accompanied by instruments, including electronic guitars, bass, drums and keyboard, and a lead singer). When I was in 6th grade, I came across with the song in the bus; the song was flowing out of the bus’s radio. Unconsciously, I was repeating the melody. The lyrics said, “Living a life quietly without anything special is so boring. Don’t stop me. This is my last time going for audition but please don’t tell my mom. I am going to show the world who I am.” As soon as I got home, I searched for its title and the artist. The song was called “Audition” and sung by Yoon Ha; she was a leader of her rock band. After that, I bought her CDs and downloaded her songs and repeated her songs in my iPod and signed up her fan club! Wow, I just wanted to be like her, wanted to sing like her!
Still, I have a dream of making my own band in College. Performing in my university, hearing the sound of passion and singing what I want to sing, in my thoughts, I make myself a superstar. Sometimes I think rock band lead singer is someone who is directly opposite from me. Unlike myself who lives life doing what I have to do for my future, a rock band singer sings and enjoys the moment with the audience. Secretly, I am wanting freedom and dreaming crazy life.
Yeun Ji, well expressed. You are the only one who posted who understood my intention. That is clearly my fault - so many misunderstandings. The latest post is a repeat of this one, differently worded. When you get there, just keep going in this direction - choose a different something to try. I can totally see you in a rock band, BTW.
DeleteThere are so many different elements that relate to harassment but the first thing that pops up in our mind are those ruthless muggers or hold-uppers, thugs, junkies and other urban losers who bully and take advantage the people’s weaknesses and not to mention those self made terrorists who despise tolerance and social equality. Sometimes, violence erupts despite the best possible avoidance measures, and when it does, there is often no opportunity to beckon for help. In those cases, a woman is forced to face her attacker alone, using only her own resources and knowledge to survive. Fortunately, women who are properly trained and confident in their ability to protect themselves can do so quite effectively.
ReplyDeleteHence, my secret passion is starting up Karate, wrestling, martial arts, or anything along those lines. It doesn’t quite match my “ballerina” profile but I feel that self-defense is a great technique to be learnt and practiced when going off to college. I can obviously be all geared up with pepper spray in my bag but I’d rather get physical and show of my tough side. Plus, I feel like I’ve got the basics down the movements will flow easily with my flexible background, physically fit, and I’ve got solid hand-eye coordination.
Especially in the US, I’ve come to notice that a lot of women live with a certain level of risk of violent crime. People usually look up to authorities such as the police, or other resorts but sometimes authorities fail to protect the vast majority under such circumstances. Sometimes “security” comes with consequences in the future if not expunged well. That is why I want to be one of those people who give importance to life and property try to take security and protection on their own.
I can totally see you using your strength, flexibility and focus in martial arts or even just self-defense moves. you just look tough to me - or do you prefer athletic? Both fit. I like your introduction here, perhaps because I am American, I knew exactly where you were going with the piece.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, I was often seen as the sort of quiet and shy girl in the class. This still sort of true today, though I have changed quiet a lot over the years. So most would be surprised to find out that I have always been fascinated by extreme sports, that according to wikipidea “is a popular term for certain activities perceived as having a high level of inherent danger”.
ReplyDeleteThough I have only had experience on motorcycles and quad bikes, I have always wanted to get better at riding them, especially since in college I will have time to settle down, and not have to move as soon as I get the hang of it. Those are not the only extreme sports I would like to try however, just to name a few, I would also love to try base jumping, bungee jumping, wing suit flying, sky diving,motorcross,abseiling,sandboarding,hang gliding,parkour,etc.
Going to college will not only give me the time to learn something new, but it will also provide me with the independence I need to do the things I want. As, as much as I love my parents, and as much as I understand their concern surrounding such activities. I have a very different approach to life. If 4 people a year in the UK die putting their pants on, and on average 10-13 people a year are crushed to death by vending machines worldwide, I think this just shows that you can really die anywhere, doing anything, at any time. So we should all live life to the fullest, and take a ride on the wild side.
Some risk is healthy. Too much "wild side" risk is not. Use your intelligence and keep your head about you when you assume risk, and you will be fine. I personally love my motorcycle and motorcross riding. What is abseiling and parkour? While I like to surf and bodyboard, I would not jump out of an airplane if you pushed me out - I'd find a way to grab the wing or landing gear and ride along - until I had a heart attack. Enjoy!
DeleteMy secret passion? humm… I have many passions in life but there is one I do not talk about. Yes, I like surfing which is something not new to the people around me, but besides being in the water, I also like being outside of the water… in my room…drinking coffee… and more specifically making surf movies on my laptop…
ReplyDeleteIf I have to tell a little of my story; when I started surfing a couple years ago, in my progression my friends were getting way better at surfing than me. I was surfing as much as they were, but they were just more skilled than I was I guess. So when I noticed some of my surf mates were getting very good at this, I decided one day to start filming them from the shore, with a camera I got from my dad, the Christmas before. At first it was just for the fun. I would film them and show them their moves after they came out of the water. Then after a while I noticed I had a movie making program on my laptop so I began collecting all the videos I filmed and making surf montages. Then it just became a habit: I would surf for an hour or two, come out of the water, film my friends for thirty to forty-five minutes, then go back surfing for another two hours.
I really like making little movies. I just like the fun of taking videos with nice images, and trying to find different angles to make it look more professional. Sometimes I make up small scenarios in my surf movies just to make the viewers interested. So far my films don’t look very professional because of the material I use but I wish that someday I will have the professional staff and the kit to make really good movies.
I like your use of the word "montage"
DeleteAll my friends know I cannot sing to save my life. It all started back in ninth grade, when my classmates and I were at the library during a study hall. I was listening to my iPod and when my favorite song played, I got into singing it, forgetting I was not alone in the room. By the time, I realized I was singing aloud, all my friends were laughing and making fun of my voice. It was embarrassing because I only sing like that when I am all alone. After that incident, everyone knew I could not sing it became the joke of everyday.
ReplyDeleteThe best part is that I never stopped singing in public, I wanted to sing badly instead. I wanted to show the world that I was not afraid of letting people hear my voice; I wanted to follow my passion. Yes, singing is my secret passion. I know it ironic to say that while I am not such a great singer and when most people are talented. Every time I hear Jennifer or someone else sing, I am fascinated by how beautiful their voices sound. I tell myself one day I will become good at it. Music has the power to make me feel better no matter what I am going through. It comforts me when I am sad, it calms me down when I a mad, and it brightens my day. When I go to college next year, I want to join a choir or music class and learn how to sing. Lacking the skills be a good singer does not mean I will never become one. All I need is to practice hard and to play with my voice. Even though I was not born with this talent, but I know ‘’practice makes perfect’’
Being in the musical is a great way to work on it.
DeleteI have done a pretty good job of already exploring and looking into most of the things that I have found that I am interested in. From pottery to learning a fictional language, composing music to writing computer programs and making games. I already have a good idea of what areas I am interested in and what I want to continue to spend my time doing. As is reflected in my major choice Computer Science is what I want to spend my time doing. Also I will continue to explore my musical side-career.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there are quite a few things that I’ve always wanted to try but wasn’t able to because I live here; things such as archery or knife throwing. I have looked into both of them, and I have done what I can with the things I can get my hands on here in Kinshasa, but next year I will actually be able to buy a good bow (instead of making one), and there are also actual classes for archery that I could possibly take. I’m less certain about knife throwing, but I’m guessing that it is more of a club activity and less of an actual class. I have made a few knives of my own and like I said before: I’ve done what I can with them, but next year I will be better to find good knives as well possibly a group to throw with. These, as well as other random events will be fun to get involved with; I really enjoy trying new things.
Sam, your randomness of interests is pretty fascinating. Knife throwing? Hmmm.
DeleteThroughout high school, I have had the opportunity to explore my passion for photography. I have not participated in any photography club or neither have I gotten any photography course. It all started on my 16th birthday when my father gifted me camera. I wasn’t that happy in the beginning because, I did not want a camera but then, I started taking pictures random pictures and later, it became my passion I’d rather call it an obsession. However, I discovered that I also had a passion for art as in, I liked to sketch and paint, which I later decided that I would want my career to be based on, and so, I went with interior designing. Nevertheless, I did not forget my passion for photography I still am as obsessed as I was; but I decided I would minor in photography. Moreover, the second thought that made me minor in photography was that, I would not earn that much if I majored in photography. It would have been difficult for me and so I went with the option of interior design. And it’s not that am leaving one for the other I am going to do both, photography and interior designing both my passions.
ReplyDeleteKarima, you talk about passions, but not anything new and random you want to try, simply something you are thinking of majoring in. What about a random new thing? A frat party? a modern dance class? mountain climbing? I took a backpacking class in my first year of collage, had never done any camping before that class, and now I love it. whenever I can get it.
ReplyDeleteHmmm my secret passion? I have many different passions in my life that most people that I am always surrounded know such as sport, fashion, cars, and girls, but there is one passion that I do not talk with people at all and which is the love that I have for light skin girls which are known as “metisse” and which is the combination of black and white. I know that it may sound pretty racist towards my own race but there is just that one thing that really gets me whenever I see a lighted skin girl walking by me. For some other people if they have to hear me say this they will think that I am a total racist, but me I just say that it is what I like and although I agree with the fact that says that all girls are beautiful no matter they appearance. From looking at a certain view I think that I must get over it because having such a strong attraction towards a different race is a bad thing because I might neglecting other races and which will there make me end up being a racist.
ReplyDeleteWhile this is honest and well written, it really doesn't answer the prompt: what do you want to try or experiment with next year. You don't take it far enough to say you want to meet and date a "metisse" young lady, so I'm not sure what your specific point is here.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what I am about to do, but I’m going to do it anyway. Before I give my secret away, I just want to sound a little cocky by pointing out that I am good at what I do. For example, when I was a lot younger I used to horse-back ride, and I had a passion for it. To add, to my love for the sport, I was also extremely confident and very, very good, until I lost my passion. I got lazy and tired of Horses, and then I found golf. I’ve been playing golf for 6 years now and I think I’ve done pretty well for myself. Won many trophies, came first in the biggest of tournaments, and impressed many people here in Kinshasa.
ReplyDeleteNow, for my secret…Life became tough for me when I figured out I wasn’t good at singing. For a little over 2 years, I’ve been singing everywhere, in my shower, my bedroom, and all around the house, and I know for a fact, I have one of the most raucous voices in the world. I’ve tried and tried and till today, I still cannot sing. I hear friends sing almost everyday, and I’m a bit jealous, but then I realize everyone has their strengths. Whenever I hear good friends of mine sing better than I can, I start hating and criticizing their ways of singing. Because I struggle to sing, and I’m too shy to embarrass myself, I try to keep every song inside.
A couple weeks ago I was asked why I joined The Seussical at TASOK. In fact, a really close friend asked me this and my quick response was, “I felt like it”. The real truth is joining the Seussical allows me to sing with a group of people so my rough voice isn’t heard, and at the same time it allows me to do something I’ve been wanting to do. It’s a Win-Win situation.
congrats. You share a passion with Mr. Gjullin and me - we both have always lusted after the ability to carry a tune. Take voice lessons in school - it's cheap and available.
ReplyDeleteWhat is my secret passion? I have so many that I do not even know which one to choose. SKYDIVING IT IS! It is something I would love to do at least once in my life. Why skydiving you are probably asking yourself? Well just the fact that it is not something people usually do; especially in my environment. You are definitely not going to see Farah or Jennifer saying “Oh I went skydiving last week end!” If I go to Lynn University in Florida, I will definitely do it. But seriously think about it, skydiving is flying, you are literally between the clouds like birds.
ReplyDeleteThe most exciting part is when you are still on the ground but you are getting ready. You are putting on diving overalls, parachutes, altimeters used to watch the altitude during the skydive, gloves and goggles. And then you are boarding the airplane, I will never do something like that alone others I will turn back at the last minute but as soon as you are in plane; it is done you have to do it. Most skydivers guarantee that it is an unforgettable experience and it is something I will definitely do one day.
I had trouble seeing you jumping out of a plane too, at first. But now I can see it: you with a huge grin on your face.
ReplyDelete