I Conquer My Fears, by Stephano Abalayam
Can you remember back to your childhood and a time when you felt nervous, maybe petrified, to perform in front of your parents and peers? The fear of failure was all-consuming and your heart pounded frantically in your chest, as if wanting to escape. Did you go through with your performance? Did you give it your best despite your debilitating anxiety? Stephano did, and he writes about it for us as an expression of thanks…for the opportunity to learn an instrument, be in a band, and rise above his fears. Now he knows how awesome it feels to push the limits of his potential, and that’s something we all never forget.
Lift the Lid is grateful for you, the supporters, who help to make The School in a Cart in Cubao, the Philippines an exciting place of love and learning.
Below is Stephano’s essay, his original work, and a photo from when he was just starting to play the drums. See the difference in confidence!
Stephano
14 years old
Barangay Tagumpay
Project 4, Quezon City
I am the drummer in our Band. I was a little scared but excited when Kuya (big brother) Iddo told us that we would play at the Ali Mall. This is my first experience in playing at a Mall. I practiced very well. It was two weeks before the program at Ali Mall. Even if I made many mistakes because I rush my tempo, I practiced some more.
When we got to the Mall, I was scared because there were many people who starred at us.
When we started playing on the stage, I became more relaxed because many did applaud our numbers. I was also glad because our parents were there to support us.
After the program people congratulated us because we did very well.
I was happy for our good performance. Thank you!
Here’s Stephano first learning to play the drums on a starter set. Compare to the photo at the top and see how he’s grown in confidence. In just a year, he’s come a long way!
Dear Stefano, what a joy to see how far you’ve come in just a short time! I hope you will continue to play the drums and even more importantly, continue to work hard at your studies. The time spent studying and practicing will never, ever be wasted but will help you reach for your dreams. We are cheering you on!
Approve.
Sara Goff
http://www.saragoff.com
Author of I ALWAYS CRY AT WEDDINGS
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cry-at-weddings
Lift the Lid, Inc.
http://www.lift-the-lid.org
We Support Underfunded Schools and Encourage the Students to Write
Hearing that applause must have felt amazing, Stefano. Congratulations on playing at the mall, even when you were filled with nerves and doubt. You did it! Making music is something that will bless your life now and throughout all your years. People will admire your determination to always improve, and they’ll admire your ability to make others happy. Keep up your practicing, keep up your schooling. These will take you further in life than you can imagine. We’re cheering for you from America!
Sara