Embarrassment occurs everywhere, whether at home, school or during other activities. Laughter often worms its way in to these encounters to drive away the sweaty palms and flushed faces.
Elizabeth Williams, ’12, experienced such an occasion when she dined with her parents at Red Robin and her waiter called her sir, which annoyed Williams.
?He called me sir when he was in the middle of taking my drink order, so when he went to the drink station, I said, ?thank you ma?am,’? Williams said. ?I didn?t know that the drink station was right behind the booth where I was sitting. When I realized that I got really embarrassed.?
Her cheeks flushed and she did not speak another word to the waiter the rest of the meal. However, she continues to recount the story to her peers and her family.
Many elementary schools organize a graduation for children when they complete the sixth grade. Zedekiah Fries, ’12, walked to the center of the stage ready to present his end-of-the-year speech to his class. As he made his way to the front, he tripped over the microphone, sending it across the room. The crowd of peers and parents burst out in a roar of laughter.
?All I could think about is how everyone was about to laugh at me,” Fries said. ?I felt embarrassed and when I tried to pick it up, I kicked it again and it almost dropped.?
Fries joined in their lighter while on stage and continues to chuckle about it today whenever the subject is brought up.
Freshman Danielle St. Marie experienced her own embarrassing moment in the sixth grade at Mountain View Christian. The playground was soaked from the heavy rain storm earlier in the day. St. Marie engaged in a game of Duck Duck Goose when her feet suddenly slipped, causing her to collapse into a puddle.
?I was embarrassed at first, but I was shocked that it actually happened,? St. Marie said. ?When I stood in line afterwards my teacher looked at me and wondered what happened. I had to sit an hour in class all wet till my mom came with some dry clothes.?
Following the incident, the kids never spoke about the day again, but she laughs whenever she remembers the event.
For students who focus on academics, escaping humiliation can prove difficult. During senior Scott Thao’s junior year, he participated in the Global Finals with his Destination Imagination team. He was required to perform a skit with his teammates.
?The main character could not attend and I was forced to perform the part of an old woman, which included the attire of a dress and a hideous wig,? Thao said. ?I had a small part, which of course felt like it lasted hours. I even remember wearing this costume before we performed and so whenever I used the restroom, people often stared at me with enigmatic faces, for I used the men?s restroom.?
Thao feels this experience helped him to get out of his comfort zone and to explore more opportunities he would have shied away from before. He still laughs at the “stupidity” of his actions.
Sarah Schoneman • May 17, 2010 at 6:59 am
Awesome photo, Madison! I loved that chapel because it was great change to what we usually have.
Robert Foshee • May 17, 2010 at 6:59 am
You’re a great sport, Austin, to sing on stage. This is great photo. You did really good!
Mary Hierholzer • May 17, 2010 at 6:59 am
This chapel today was amazing. I loved CTI’s music and message, when they spoke to all of us students I was really touched by their words. Afterwards, I was thrilled to chat with a couple of the band members, they were so kind and encouraging!
If I played guitar, bass, drums or did vocals, I would absolutely join CTI, but unfortunately, I don’t think they’re looking for a trombonist =)
But anyways, I very much hope that they come back to perform sometime!
Brianna Carlson • May 17, 2010 at 6:59 am
Great photography, Madison!
This was hillarious! I have never seen Austin nervous!