Why Can't I Just Be Me? Part 2

by Bailey
(USA)

“I want each of you to pick a topic. Yes Samantha, it must be health related. I want a 3-minute speech about your topic, preferably inspirational and meaningful. We’ll start speeches next Wednesday. For now, just brainstorm some topics and then bring your ideas up to me so we can choose one. Hop to it!

I put my pen up to my mouth and, with the church discussion from yesterday fresh in my mind, started scrawling down ideas with my favorite blue pen:

*Loving yourself for who you are
*Popularity
*Cheerleaders

“Delaney Gemm? Come on up! Mrs. Z called.

Upset that I hadn’t thought of any amazing health-related ideas, I headed up to Mrs. Z to see if I could get more time.

“Mrs. Z,” I started.

“Brilliant! Not health-related really, but definitely teen-girl related. This is a perfect topic! And it’s so silly really.”

She must be talking about the cheerleaders.

You’re only like that because you’ve tried to get onto the squad three times and look where you are now.

Well yeah, but I’m over that now. They’re really all way too skinny and wear way too much makeup and…

They look just like you wish you did.

“Mrs. Z? Which topic was that?

“Well I think it should be perfect! Get to work! She handed back my list and I looked down on my doom.

*Loving yourself for who you are
*Popularity
*Cheerleaders

I’m glad you see the need to discuss the issues! Can’t wait for your presentation!
Mrs. Z