EMAIL All authors need encouragement and appreciate hearing from their readers. Please email us your comments about this or any of the other pieces of student writing. One of the accomplishments that I am most proud of is being a part of the drama club at my school. Drama and performing in general has been my love and obsession since I was very young. Many people tried out for the play and very few got in. Luckily, i was one of the forty-two people to be in the production of "Grease." I then was welcomed into a world of fun, laughter, very tightly bonded friendships, and lots of hard work. To me, drama is a place where I can be who I am without being criticized for it. Within that auditorium are my closest friends in the world! We are like a huge family that happens to be very energenic and has a knack for entertaining people. However, those who are not part of drama, have seen us as "snobs" and think we're "too close" and they let us know in very rude and uncomfortable ways. Suddenly, many of us ended up with "labels" and stereotypes. Whether it is jealousy of ignorance, some people become annoyed with the pride we have in our "family" and our talents.
Though it hurts to be ridiculed by other people, I (as do many others in drama) have the power within myself to move on and not let what others think stop me from feeling proud of what I do and or be afraid to show it. You, too, should also find the power to look inside yourself and continue being proud. The hardest part, however, is making sure that you don't do anything to hurt anyone's feelings along the way. In other words, feel free to talk about what you love to do, but is also important to talk about what others love. Instead of being on a pedestal all alone, pull others up and have them join you in feeling proud. This way it is impossible to seem conceited if everyone feels happy with who they are.
How has the second grade been so far? I just wanted to drop you a line and with it send along some helpful hints. The subject is how you needed to find a spot between being boastful and being proud. As you have just won the science fair contest, this problem may come up.
First, don't deny your accomplishment. Be proud. You've won the right. Not every child can win something like this. Second, don't brag. You can lose friends and annoy others. Is there a spot between the two? Tell others, but don't carry it with you throughout the conversation. Just bring it up. Let others know that you're proud without pushing the subject.
There are many other accomplishments one can be proud of, like being a good friend. it doesn't mean you say "Hey Sue, I'm the best friend you have ever had." Show her; don't tell her. Actions do speak louder than words.
Another instance is if you just won a medal in gymnastics. Don't go around saying "Hey guys, I'm the best, don't you know? I just won an award that says I am." The best thing to do in this case is let the others bring it up. Let them congratulate you. After that, change the conversation to a different topic. Maybe even mention something they are proud of.
It's great that you won the science fair award. Stand tall. Don't let anyone take your pride away from you. Remember though, let it drop after a week. Don't hang on to it. There will always be new challenges for you to succeed in.
Good luck.
I am writing to you on an important life-long lesson of which you should take heed. I am showing you the difference between being proud and being ostentatious. I am passing this on to you so you may learn from my mistakes. Trust me when I say, I know from experience when I am being "too proud" or talking to the point of boasting.
Basically, pride is an excellent thing. Pride is best defined as having or showing self-approval. You may look upon yourself or others with pride when, for example , you get all A's. In contrast to that statement, some people may take all A's to the point of gloating. This can annoy the people around you and, as a result, make them not want to be around you. I know that from experience. I once had a BIG part in the school play. I wouldn't stop bragging about it, and it annoyed the heck out of my friends. I didn't even realize I was doing it which was the confusing part. I had no idea why my friends weren't talking to me.
That's another thing about bragging. Know what you' re going to say and think it over before you say it. It is okay to give yourself SOME credit, but don't be a "glory hog." Your friends won't want to be around you if you are.
In conclusion, pride is a wonderful thing. However, know when to show your pride and when not to. This will help not only through school life, but this is also a very good lesson for life. Always keep that in mind.
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