St. Norbert Times

Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Michelle Lee [Click to enlarge]

Recently, Entertainment 2 Knight (E2K) sponsored Winter Wonder Week, an opportunity for students and organizations alike to participate in a number of activities geared toward the development of "a strong community bond." One event in particular, appropriately dubbed "SNC Idol," allowed individuals or teams to compete in a karaoke contest for a variety of prizes and, if nothing else, the pure sex appeal garnered from gyrating in front of a microphone. For some, however, the chance to sing in front of a multitude of their peers took on new meaning: overcoming fear.

Personally, as well as for many people, the fear of singing in front of a large crowd can be a debilitating one. Though I've grown up thinking I've had mediocre vocal ability (read: shower quality), the thought of letting anyone actually listen to me was daunting to say the least. In the few hours leading up to the competition, I had thoroughly convinced myself that I couldn't possibly do it. I had so many good reasons; it didn't even feel like copping out. I thought I would at least watch everyone else though, while of course feeling more than slightly sorry for myself. But something happened while I observed these people, one after another, climb the stage and sing. These people were nervous; their voices quavered uncertainly; their eyes averted the crowd; their pitch was off. It seemed I wasn't the only one terrified at this idea. I felt empowered. If they could do it, I could certainly pretend to.

Afterwards, my friends and family asked why I sang at all: why the unnecessary added stress, the practice, all the worrying about singing a cappella in a karaoke contest. It wasn't for the congratulations on a job well done, and certainly not for the fourth place finish I wasn't expecting. I did it because overcoming fear isn't just some intangible maxim parents and coaches spout ad nauseam; it's a way of life. It encompasses a manner of conducting oneself that not only encourages one to trounce unavoidable fear, but to place oneself firmly in circumstances that arouse one's fear. So many people are content to simply muddle through life, to avoid the things that make them feel awkward or scared. How many of them does history recall?

Continued...

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