I wouldn't say I was an outcast in grade school because I had plenty of friends in all sorts of groups; but I was a theater kid and people didn't really get it. After school, I'd go to school play rehearsal, then to dance class, voice lessons, or monologue coaching. I didn't really have time for a social life and no one could relate. Most of my friends had school sports team practices until 5 o'clock or so, and then were done for the day. But being a theater kid is different. It's a lifestyle, not a hobby.
People in general tend to think of "theater geeks" as well...geeks. They think it's for the kids who aren't athletic enough for the lacrosse team, so they sign up to be in the ensemble of "Hairspray." But it's not true. The life of an actress/songstress/dancer is far more entailing than anyone could ever dream possible.
Since none of my friends could relate to my theater-filled life, I felt lonely in my passion a lot. When "Glee" first aired in 2009, I was 13-years-old and I finally found people (or characters) that were like me. I think the show helped kids across the globe feel normal and accepted for who they were or what they do. Not only were they accepted for being actors, but also for their sexual orientation, the color of their skin, or their physical disabilities. I, personally, accredit the show for a lot of the confidence I have in my talents even today.
Lea Michele's character, Rachel Berry, was who I saw as my soul sister. She was the talented singer who everyone hated for, well, being talented! Not that I'm anywhere near a star like Michele, but I constantly had people being rude to me, mostly behind my back, for being a singer and for knowing my worth. When I saw Berry going through the same struggles, I realized, "Hey, maybe I'm not alone." Her character worked her a** off and became a renowned star on "The Broadway." Lesson learned: Being confident in your talents will get you pretty far. Thanks, Rachel Berry.
I know for a fact all the other characters helped at least one kid in the world feel normal and accepted, as well. Blaine and Kurt? They're gay! And the glee club accepted them as normal people! What a crazy idea, right? Quinn? Pregnant in high school, and she kept on with her life, finding a good home for the baby. Can you imagine how many pregnant teens and teen moms must have seen that and, for a minute, felt okay with what was going in their life? Santana and Brittany? They're lesbian lovers and their friends felt no different about them because of it! Artie? He's in a wheelchair and is still a star of the glee club. Think of all the physically handicapped theater-lovers who were inspired by him to follow their dreams, no matter their circumstances. Tina, Mike, and Mercedes? They weren't being given equal opportunity because of the color of their skin, and they stood up for it and got what they deserved! This is true in real life today, sadly, and I hope it gave kids of all skin colors the power to fight for what they want!
This show had so many lessons for so many different people, and I applaud the creators and the actors for giving it to the world to see. It showed all viewers, age 5 or 85, that people are people, no matter their size, shape, or color. To this day, I owe my continued love and confidence in performing to "Glee," and I hope one day to follow in Berry's footsteps and end up on Broadway to prove all the doubters wrong.
