Hannah Firdyiwek
This I Believe
We all do it. In fact it’s the only time some of us allow ourselves to just let loose. There is something about being surrounded by four walls that allows you to feel secure. Singing in the shower is an essential part of being a human. Most of us pride ourselves on being good students or good athletes but, it’s hard living up to others expectations and singing in the shower is my perfect release. Life isn’t about being what other people tell you to be, but, rather finding your own voice.
I remember when I was about seven or maybe eight years old being on a recreational soccer team. All my friends were on the team so of course I was too. I remember wishing I was as fast as my best friend because she was “naturally” talented. I wanted to dress like her and act like her because to me she signified accomplishment and I wanted to do everything she could do; but, due to my size I didn’t see it in my cards. I wasn’t an obese child I just hadn’t lost all my baby fat yet. I tried so hard in practice that my mom had to drag my body inside afterwards. Then I got in the shower and I wouldn’t even think about practice. It was simply a distant memory; speed didn’t faze me at all. I grabbed the shampoo, and there went the first note of liberation.
I believe it was the song “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. “If you wannabe my lover…” note after note after note it was like I couldn’t stop. The song had taken over me, I was on the rollercoaster and I couldn’t get off. Then in the blink of an eye I stopped. I had sung the whole song and much to my belief I was completely energized and I wasn’t thinking about soccer or running fast or even about my best friend at all. I was alone naked in the shower while warm water beat gently on my skin. So, I washed my hair, rinsed my body, turned off the water, and happily got out of the shower.
Even though I was maybe only eight years old, I remember that shower vividly. I knew that when I was in my solitary sound booth I didn’t have to worry about anyone but me. I’m sixteen years old now and I still sing in the shower. I love it, after a long day of tests there is nothing like coming home, hopping on my steaming stage and belting out some Aretha Franklin. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! It helps my self esteem. Maybe I didn’t get a big role in the school musical but, at least I know that in my shower I get the lead every time.