Every year, without fail, I have a student who is one of the funniest, brightest, and , sometimes, most beautiful person in the class.  Inevitably, this person is also not very popular with his or her classmates.  I cannot really fathom this because I'll have thoughts along the lines of "Man, that kid is cool." or "Man, why wasn't there a girl like her here when I was in school!"  I'll admit to feeling a bit weird about hat last thought, but it is a harmless one that is meant in the most innocent manner.  I guess the issue isn't necessarily that these kids have a hard time.  I don't know that they do.  They always seem happy or as happy as a person stuck in high school can be.  They seem to share with me an attitude that I didn't cultivate intentionally.  It was one born during my own schoool days when I realized that I wasn't ever going to be the cool guy.  It's a freedom that removies you from the prison of status consciousness.  If you realize that you will never be the Prom Queen or Mr. XYZ High, then you are free to be many more things.

Not surprisingly, these students often end up in a production I direct.  That's usually where we bond, and I learn about their amazing talents and fearlessness. I've been directing shows for ten years now, and the fact that whatever crackpot notion I have is accepted and acted on by others still makes my wee mind wobble.  But, there these bastions of "I Could Care Less" are bravely stepping into the lights to confront audience after audience with a bravery that their peers lack.

Outside of the theater, I've witnessed these popularity contest losers exhibit the most advanced states of maturity  that many of their classmates might not ever acknowledge.  Courtesy and Empathy for other human beings is just a part of their day.  They have often put me to shame. 

There's that line from that goony teen classic from the 80's The Breakfast Club uttered by Ally Sheedy's character that is along the lines of 'When you grow up, your heart dies."  I disagree wholeheartedly.  I think it's when you accept that there is no other way ,but the way that the adult world tells you it should be that your heart dies.

 It is my sincere wish that none of you nameless pilgrims ever let your heart die.  This is for you.  All of you who have passed through my class and my life and reminded me why this is the job I chose.  You remind me why there really is no other place for me.  Thank you and never stop being unpopular.