Conquering fear

Last night we went to another Talent Show in Academia Teatro Abril. Mariafer participated in some group performances; she was Snow White in a sketch about the story, and danced in a pop song choreography. But the reason to be the best day of today is that this was her first solo attempt on stage.

Since she started two years ago in the Academy, and after her first group performance she wanted to get on stage by herself. However she was hesitant, doubtful. Eventually she choose a song but the school year was almost over. Her promise was to get on stage in 2015. Almost every Saturday after she finished her practice we asked if she told the teachers that she wanted to sing, and always she replied with a no followed by a bunch of excuses. It was a mixed message, on one side the teachers were very happy about her progress and enthusiasm, while on the other she was holding herself back.

How I read the news!!!

With a little push and support from the staff she finally spoke up. She had a couple of practice session but June had less classes due to a half year break. I didn't expect her to be ready for the monthly festival. Last Saturday I learned that she auditioned and was chosen for yesterday's Talent Show!

No, it was not the best day because we discovered the next Taylor Swift. I have no eye to be an art critic, I have the eye of a proud father and sure see more than may there be. It was the best day because I could testify how a 8 year old girl set a goal, struggled with it, practiced, practiced, practiced, dealt with adversity and came out victorious.

Campbell's Hero's Journey
(found on the web credits unknown)

At Acton Academy, their school, they learn that every person is a hero and they learn using Joseph Campbell hero journey Monomyth. When I look back at what Mariafer accomplished I see the model in action.

Mariafer was cool in her ordinary world. She went to music, acting classes every Saturday and had fun with her friends and teachers. One day she got an invitation from Chabe, the Academic Coordinator; "jump on stage and make your show"  At the beginning she didn't take it too seriously but as she advanced with her other classes she started to gain interest on the idea. Inspiration came from different place, (need to validate with her) but sure people like Chabe and her teachers, plus a positive environment were part of it. 

The chronicle of Mariafer's journey to the unknown.

Saturday 27th, For a while she was resisting to cross the threshold but now Mariafer finally steps forward and auditions, a point of no return.

She has to work, polish whatever is not working, solve pending challenges to get ready. Reject the enemies such as procrastination, distraction and critique. Use whatever she has at hand to be prepared.

Practicing at the pool

The day came, 5:30 p.m. she goes in for the final rehearsal and face her deepest fears, doubts and considers giving up. With the support of her teachers, she overcomes fear and gets ready to jump on the stage.

While on stage the biggest challenges may come true, will the time for practice and preparation pay back? 8:10 p.m. lights go on, Mariafer is in the center of the stage and the music doesn't play right away. There was a change in the program and the sound engineer seems to be lost. No problem, she starts to sing "a cappella", a few seconds later the track starts but it is out of sync. She manages to sync without loosing the purpose, entertain the audience. People follow clapping, the show goes on and she fights to keep the energy up. The song comes to an end and she receives an immediate reward, she is proud of herself. The clapping from the audience confirms her satisfaction,

Today she returns to the ordinary world, she is no longer the same. She set a new standard to beat, She will continue to work her act, another day in her hero's journey!

Congratulations Mariafer!!!

I don't know where she will end, she may give up acting all together and become a doctor, or a teacher, or any other thing. However the experience of going through the cycle with enthusiasm, enjoying what she was doing, feeling the pride of a well deserved victory will remain in her all her life.

Mariafer with Monica, with Chabe, and with Jose Andres and myself