Book Study
#21 Imagine Yourself at Your Own Funeral - If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?
If I imagine myself at my funeral, I could picture lots of people honoring my achievements, my legacy if you will. They'll say things like, "Oh yes, Gracie was dedicated to school and furthering her education." or "Gracie was really involved in her extracurricular activities. She tried to do her best in her daily tasks.", and that's fine and well. However, they wouldn't compliment my way with people or handling emotions. They wouldn't call me particularly kind or friendly, nor would they embellish my desire to speak on emotional topics. Therefore, I would change how I'm perceived around other people. I want to be more kind, more considerate. While I don't want to become a people pleaser, I do want to have other people's needs and wants in mind.
If I imagine myself at my funeral, I could picture lots of people honoring my achievements, my legacy if you will. They'll say things like, "Oh yes, Gracie was dedicated to school and furthering her education." or "Gracie was really involved in her extracurricular activities. She tried to do her best in her daily tasks.", and that's fine and well. However, they wouldn't compliment my way with people or handling emotions. They wouldn't call me particularly kind or friendly, nor would they embellish my desire to speak on emotional topics. Therefore, I would change how I'm perceived around other people. I want to be more kind, more considerate. While I don't want to become a people pleaser, I do want to have other people's needs and wants in mind.
#22 Repeat to Yourself, "Life Isn't an Emergency"- Describe a time or moments in your life when you turned something into an emergency.
The most prominent time in my life that I can recall is this weekend. My mom's birthday party was on Saturday at 7. I wanted this party to be PERFECT for her and her friends. My dad and I needed to move furniture around, clean, and prep the food, all while watching my little sister. I was so stressed. I had a million things to do and very little time. However, it wasn't necessary for a good time. My mom and her friends didn't require perfection, just a good time. And while I delivered perfection, I stressed myself out immensely. I couldn't enjoy the party fully, because I was focused on it going smoothly.
The most prominent time in my life that I can recall is this weekend. My mom's birthday party was on Saturday at 7. I wanted this party to be PERFECT for her and her friends. My dad and I needed to move furniture around, clean, and prep the food, all while watching my little sister. I was so stressed. I had a million things to do and very little time. However, it wasn't necessary for a good time. My mom and her friends didn't require perfection, just a good time. And while I delivered perfection, I stressed myself out immensely. I couldn't enjoy the party fully, because I was focused on it going smoothly.
#23 Experiment with Your Back Burner - Analyze the quote, "It puts our quieter, softer, and sometimes most intelligent source of thinking to work for us on issues that we have no immediate answers for."
My back burner is filled to the brim. It's filled with pots and pans, half cooked meals, a dense smoke, and the fire alarm is going off in the background. I need to learn how to focus on tasks at hand, rather than the 6 side conversations I'm having with myself over future projects and assignments. When I lack focus on a particular project, I'm not allowing myself to put in my full, best effort. That causes problems for future me, hence the never ending cycle of stress and worry. Therefore, like this quote says, I'm not going to focus on problems that I cannot solve right now. Future Gracie will not have to worry about ten things at once, because Present Gracie will be focused on the tasks.
My back burner is filled to the brim. It's filled with pots and pans, half cooked meals, a dense smoke, and the fire alarm is going off in the background. I need to learn how to focus on tasks at hand, rather than the 6 side conversations I'm having with myself over future projects and assignments. When I lack focus on a particular project, I'm not allowing myself to put in my full, best effort. That causes problems for future me, hence the never ending cycle of stress and worry. Therefore, like this quote says, I'm not going to focus on problems that I cannot solve right now. Future Gracie will not have to worry about ten things at once, because Present Gracie will be focused on the tasks.
#24 Spend a Moment Every Day Thinking of Someone to Thank - Who is one person you would thank in this moment and why?
In this very moment, I'm thankful for April. She's completely taken over the decorations for the Christmas Tree competition for Warm and Fuzzy week. She suggested the new theme after we ran into a slight bump with the Freshman and she's looked into cost and decorations for it. She's working so hard, and she says it's because she loves Christmas, but I think it's because she knows how stressed everyone is this week. She's going above and beyond what she has to, and I'm so thankful for her dedication to the program and our class.
In this very moment, I'm thankful for April. She's completely taken over the decorations for the Christmas Tree competition for Warm and Fuzzy week. She suggested the new theme after we ran into a slight bump with the Freshman and she's looked into cost and decorations for it. She's working so hard, and she says it's because she loves Christmas, but I think it's because she knows how stressed everyone is this week. She's going above and beyond what she has to, and I'm so thankful for her dedication to the program and our class.
#25 Smile at Strangers, Look into Their Eyes, and Say Hello - When you read this chapter, regarding eye contact and connect, what are your initial thoughts?
This topic makes me incredibly uncomfortable, because I never interact with strangers. I'm always really focused on what I'm doing or what I need to do that strangers don't even register in my brain half the time. For example, if I'm walking to class, I'm thinking about how to best manage my time to maximize how I'm going to accomplish everything that I need to. I'm not registering other people, and I'm especially not registering how I affect them in that moment. Additionally, I'm incredibly introverted, so I'm not a fan of going out of my way to talk to and interact with people I'm acquaintances with, let alone people I've never met. Of course, if I'm at a checkout at a store or a similar situation, small talk is an unfortunate must, but it's something I participate in.
This topic makes me incredibly uncomfortable, because I never interact with strangers. I'm always really focused on what I'm doing or what I need to do that strangers don't even register in my brain half the time. For example, if I'm walking to class, I'm thinking about how to best manage my time to maximize how I'm going to accomplish everything that I need to. I'm not registering other people, and I'm especially not registering how I affect them in that moment. Additionally, I'm incredibly introverted, so I'm not a fan of going out of my way to talk to and interact with people I'm acquaintances with, let alone people I've never met. Of course, if I'm at a checkout at a store or a similar situation, small talk is an unfortunate must, but it's something I participate in.
#26 Set Aside Quiet Time, Every Day - When do you find a quiet moment in your day, every day, just to be present and quiet. Do you?
Most days, I'm concerned with getting everything done from the never-ending list of things I wish to accomplish that day. Therefore, if I have spare time in between activities, I'm working. I love taking time for myself, because being constantly stimulated and around people cause massive burnout, but my desire to accomplish stuff overcomes my desire to be left alone in solitude. Eventually, I burn myself out and I have to take a day to myself; this usually happens over the weekend or during breaks. It's not a healthy habit, but I never try to rectify it, because I seek validation in completing my lists rather than taking care of my mental health.
Most days, I'm concerned with getting everything done from the never-ending list of things I wish to accomplish that day. Therefore, if I have spare time in between activities, I'm working. I love taking time for myself, because being constantly stimulated and around people cause massive burnout, but my desire to accomplish stuff overcomes my desire to be left alone in solitude. Eventually, I burn myself out and I have to take a day to myself; this usually happens over the weekend or during breaks. It's not a healthy habit, but I never try to rectify it, because I seek validation in completing my lists rather than taking care of my mental health.
#27 Imagine the People in Your Life as Tiny Infants and as One-Hundred-Year-Old Adults - Describe a time when you have been frustrated with someone, but you "let go" of the situation and moved forward with your life. How did that make you feel?
This section is kind of strange in a way, because it's essentially saying to treat people like they're unaware of consequences. I don't particularly agree, because everyone has to suffer the consequences of their actions. There have been multiple instances in which I "let go" of an issue, purely out of my hatred and fear in dealing with confrontation. It's not to pacify others or save their feelings, it's usually because I don't want to rock the boat. "Letting go" of my anger hardly works though, because those feelings don't go away without talking about them, they're just continuously shoved down, until eventually there's no more room and you explode. I guess you could do the whole forgive and forget thing, but that's hard too. I don't want to forgive people until they apologize.
This section is kind of strange in a way, because it's essentially saying to treat people like they're unaware of consequences. I don't particularly agree, because everyone has to suffer the consequences of their actions. There have been multiple instances in which I "let go" of an issue, purely out of my hatred and fear in dealing with confrontation. It's not to pacify others or save their feelings, it's usually because I don't want to rock the boat. "Letting go" of my anger hardly works though, because those feelings don't go away without talking about them, they're just continuously shoved down, until eventually there's no more room and you explode. I guess you could do the whole forgive and forget thing, but that's hard too. I don't want to forgive people until they apologize.
#28 - Describe a situation where you didn’t seek to understand first. Was there resolution with this conflict?
One of the recent times I refused (and still refuse) to understand another person’s perspective was a fight with one of my closest friends. It seemed to me that she was talking about me with another person, and she was. However, when I confronted her about it, she basically brushed me off and never apologized. Then, she wrote some petty comments on some social media posts, and her mom did as well. So no, I won’t be trying to understand her perspective anytime soon, because I’m not a big enough person for that. And now I’m over and done with it. I don’t need closure, and I don’t want to understand her point of view.
One of the recent times I refused (and still refuse) to understand another person’s perspective was a fight with one of my closest friends. It seemed to me that she was talking about me with another person, and she was. However, when I confronted her about it, she basically brushed me off and never apologized. Then, she wrote some petty comments on some social media posts, and her mom did as well. So no, I won’t be trying to understand her perspective anytime soon, because I’m not a big enough person for that. And now I’m over and done with it. I don’t need closure, and I don’t want to understand her point of view.
#29 - Who is someone you can genuinely talk to, that you know will listen to you? Describe this relationship.
One of the most genuine people I have ever met is April. It doesn’t matter what I say or how I say it, April will support me and listen to what I have to say. She is the most kind, understanding person I have the pleasure of meeting, and she’s unapologetic about it. Because of this, she is the closest person to me. Our relationship is incredibly strong because of our mutual interests, passions, and our abilities to listen to each other. April and I make a pretty good team, if I do say so myself, and that’s why I ran to be her Vice President for our Senior year.
One of the most genuine people I have ever met is April. It doesn’t matter what I say or how I say it, April will support me and listen to what I have to say. She is the most kind, understanding person I have the pleasure of meeting, and she’s unapologetic about it. Because of this, she is the closest person to me. Our relationship is incredibly strong because of our mutual interests, passions, and our abilities to listen to each other. April and I make a pretty good team, if I do say so myself, and that’s why I ran to be her Vice President for our Senior year.
#30 - Describe a time when you “lost your Shhhhh” and in reality it wasn’t worth your energy. How did you feel after your confrontation? Could it have gone differently if you didn’t sweat the small stuff.
So, a couple of days ago, my parents left to go out to dinner, and because of this I was left in charge of my siblings. Before they left, my mom promptly called out “Everyone help clean the living room, or go to bed.” and so, we all worked together to clean and it was overly relatively fast. Everyone that is, except my youngest brother that is. So of course I tried to explain to him the consequences of not helping, and being 7, he threw a major tantrum. One that involved screaming, crying, and throwing things at me. I promptly lost all semblance of calm and put him to bed. In the end, it wasn’t worth the effort, because I just lost energy and a calm attitude over the smallest issue. Him not helping to clean was not the end of the world, but I treated it as such.
So, a couple of days ago, my parents left to go out to dinner, and because of this I was left in charge of my siblings. Before they left, my mom promptly called out “Everyone help clean the living room, or go to bed.” and so, we all worked together to clean and it was overly relatively fast. Everyone that is, except my youngest brother that is. So of course I tried to explain to him the consequences of not helping, and being 7, he threw a major tantrum. One that involved screaming, crying, and throwing things at me. I promptly lost all semblance of calm and put him to bed. In the end, it wasn’t worth the effort, because I just lost energy and a calm attitude over the smallest issue. Him not helping to clean was not the end of the world, but I treated it as such.
#31 - Explain a time when you were in a bad mood and how this shaped your day. Vice versa, explain a time when you were in a great mood and discuss the day you had.
When I’m in a bad mood, I make it everyone’s problem. I complain, I whine, and I force everyone to listen to why I am in a bad mood. Once I’m in a bad mood, it seems like everything that could possibly go wrong, does. However, when I’m in a good mood, everything usually goes pretty swimmingly. I try to lift other people up, and try to make other people feel as good as I do. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen all that often, because I usually am in a terrible mood.
When I’m in a bad mood, I make it everyone’s problem. I complain, I whine, and I force everyone to listen to why I am in a bad mood. Once I’m in a bad mood, it seems like everything that could possibly go wrong, does. However, when I’m in a good mood, everything usually goes pretty swimmingly. I try to lift other people up, and try to make other people feel as good as I do. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen all that often, because I usually am in a terrible mood.
#35 - In your own words, describe the meaning of Loving-Kindness
I think this chapter is right, to an extent. Forgiving people is not simple, and it is incredibly hard. All of the examples in this chapter literally suck. Of course it’s easy to forgive someone for doing something silly and of little consequence. But when people do things with severe consequences, it’s a lot harder to forgive them. So, I think the definition of Loving-Kindness is showing love and kindness, even when people don’t deserve it. Forgiveness is not always mandatory, especially if someone massively screwed you over.
I think this chapter is right, to an extent. Forgiving people is not simple, and it is incredibly hard. All of the examples in this chapter literally suck. Of course it’s easy to forgive someone for doing something silly and of little consequence. But when people do things with severe consequences, it’s a lot harder to forgive them. So, I think the definition of Loving-Kindness is showing love and kindness, even when people don’t deserve it. Forgiveness is not always mandatory, especially if someone massively screwed you over.
#36 - What occurs when we practice compassion towards others and let go of “their” story, rather than be caught up in the drama of the situation.
There are only so many times you can see the “innocence” behind someone’s action. It’s really easy when the action is small. You forget you’re supposed to take out the trash? Not a big deal. But repeated actions are unnecessary. Constantly trying to see other people’s side, ESPECIALLY when they aren’t trying to see yours, is a waste of your time. You’re wearing yourself down, because they’re not trying to make you happy or put your perspective in mind.
There are only so many times you can see the “innocence” behind someone’s action. It’s really easy when the action is small. You forget you’re supposed to take out the trash? Not a big deal. But repeated actions are unnecessary. Constantly trying to see other people’s side, ESPECIALLY when they aren’t trying to see yours, is a waste of your time. You’re wearing yourself down, because they’re not trying to make you happy or put your perspective in mind.
#37 - Define equanimity. Do you practice this in your daily life? Look at your Ego first before you answer…
Equanimity: mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. I definitely do not possess this quality. I’m never calm-tempered, especially not when I’m angry or mad. Whenever I argue, I get mad. My mom used to call me so quick-tempered. I was her problem child, for sure. I was constantly angry and foul tempered when I was angry, and it never, ever went away.
Equanimity: mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. I definitely do not possess this quality. I’m never calm-tempered, especially not when I’m angry or mad. Whenever I argue, I get mad. My mom used to call me so quick-tempered. I was her problem child, for sure. I was constantly angry and foul tempered when I was angry, and it never, ever went away.
#38 - In picking 3 people, who would you choose and why?
I would choose my senior officer team, aka April, Emily, and Bri. I am so proud of them, and how far they have come. We all held different positions last year, and we all got put into new ones this year. Bri, Emily, and I have only been in the program for a year, and April was Vice President during the COVID years. We’re all still figuring things out, and I’m so glad we’re a team. We work so well together, and I love how precious they all are. They never fail to make me laugh, and we’re such a strong team.
I would choose my senior officer team, aka April, Emily, and Bri. I am so proud of them, and how far they have come. We all held different positions last year, and we all got put into new ones this year. Bri, Emily, and I have only been in the program for a year, and April was Vice President during the COVID years. We’re all still figuring things out, and I’m so glad we’re a team. We work so well together, and I love how precious they all are. They never fail to make me laugh, and we’re such a strong team.
#39 - Describe a time when you saw an individual or a group lack humility. How did that make you feel about the group/individual?
In Ripon, it’s pretty common to come across individuals who feel superior and higher than the average person. I see it most often whenever people come to realize how many kids live in my house, but especially when they discover their backstories. They seem to think that they’re superior because their kids came after marriage and blah blah blah. These conversations are always awkward to have, because they seem to express their sympathy and pity when it’s not necessary. It’s not a sob story, I don’t need your fake sympathy. It just gets annoying and unnecessary.
In Ripon, it’s pretty common to come across individuals who feel superior and higher than the average person. I see it most often whenever people come to realize how many kids live in my house, but especially when they discover their backstories. They seem to think that they’re superior because their kids came after marriage and blah blah blah. These conversations are always awkward to have, because they seem to express their sympathy and pity when it’s not necessary. It’s not a sob story, I don’t need your fake sympathy. It just gets annoying and unnecessary.
#40 - What is your perspective/opinion on this article? Valid, or a waste of time?
This chapter was fascinating, because it seemed like everyone who said it was bs was either a younger sibling or had younger siblings who didn’t do as much as they thought they should. It was particularly interesting that everyone took this literally, like they take out the trash more often and therefore, are getting walked on or they’re doing more than they have to. In reality, the more you do for other people, the more other people do for you. Is it a possibility that you’re going to end up doing more than someone else? Of course. But it comes in rounds. Sometimes you do more, sometimes someone else does. However, this doesn’t give a person an excuse to never do anything, purely because they think someone else will do it for them. If you never do the homework, but you expect me to do it and send it to you everyday, well then you’re in for a rude awakening.
This chapter was fascinating, because it seemed like everyone who said it was bs was either a younger sibling or had younger siblings who didn’t do as much as they thought they should. It was particularly interesting that everyone took this literally, like they take out the trash more often and therefore, are getting walked on or they’re doing more than they have to. In reality, the more you do for other people, the more other people do for you. Is it a possibility that you’re going to end up doing more than someone else? Of course. But it comes in rounds. Sometimes you do more, sometimes someone else does. However, this doesn’t give a person an excuse to never do anything, purely because they think someone else will do it for them. If you never do the homework, but you expect me to do it and send it to you everyday, well then you’re in for a rude awakening.
#41 - Do you Weatherproof? Explain.
I feel like it’s human nature to prepare for the worst, but that’s vastly different than weatherproofing. Weatherproofing is looking for the bad, which CAN lead to preparing for the worst, so it’s kind of like a predecessor. It’s kind of just another way to define pessimism, honestly. I’m definitely guilty of doing this, because I want to be prepared for whatever comes my way. I know it’s a bad habit, because it doesn’t allow for you to see the good in anything, but it’s a hard habit to break. By only looking at what can go wrong, you’re not focusing on what can and is going right.
I feel like it’s human nature to prepare for the worst, but that’s vastly different than weatherproofing. Weatherproofing is looking for the bad, which CAN lead to preparing for the worst, so it’s kind of like a predecessor. It’s kind of just another way to define pessimism, honestly. I’m definitely guilty of doing this, because I want to be prepared for whatever comes my way. I know it’s a bad habit, because it doesn’t allow for you to see the good in anything, but it’s a hard habit to break. By only looking at what can go wrong, you’re not focusing on what can and is going right.
#42 - Who do You Choose to Love in This Moment?
After hearing this chapter, I decided that the only way to test if it was ridiculous or real, was to participate in the idea. Unfortunately, I did get sick the day after we read it, but I did wake up this morning with the intention of doing it. The person I chose was my mom, because she started feeling sick on Sunday, and I knew that she would feel worse. I hoped that she wouldn’t feel any worse today, and that she would have a great day despite being sick. I know being sick and taking care of a toddler isn’t anyone’s definition of a good time, so I was hoping that it went okay. My final thought is that it kind of felt like praying for her, even though it was necessarily religious in nature.
After hearing this chapter, I decided that the only way to test if it was ridiculous or real, was to participate in the idea. Unfortunately, I did get sick the day after we read it, but I did wake up this morning with the intention of doing it. The person I chose was my mom, because she started feeling sick on Sunday, and I knew that she would feel worse. I hoped that she wouldn’t feel any worse today, and that she would have a great day despite being sick. I know being sick and taking care of a toddler isn’t anyone’s definition of a good time, so I was hoping that it went okay. My final thought is that it kind of felt like praying for her, even though it was necessarily religious in nature.
#43 - Reflect on the following: “Judging others takes a great deal of energy and, without exception, pulls you away from where you want to be.”
Judging others is a waste of your time. The person or group of people subjected to your negativity often couldn't care less about your perception of them. The only person directly affected by your hatred is you. They aren’t going to change their style, their beliefs, or their standards just because you don’t like them or whatever it is you think they stand for. I often find that to be a reason why people double down in their efforts to be themselves; the more people they anger, the more satisfaction they get. Judgment simply boils down to bigotry and assuming that your way of doing things is the supreme route, and anyone doing it differently is wrong.
Judging others is a waste of your time. The person or group of people subjected to your negativity often couldn't care less about your perception of them. The only person directly affected by your hatred is you. They aren’t going to change their style, their beliefs, or their standards just because you don’t like them or whatever it is you think they stand for. I often find that to be a reason why people double down in their efforts to be themselves; the more people they anger, the more satisfaction they get. Judgment simply boils down to bigotry and assuming that your way of doing things is the supreme route, and anyone doing it differently is wrong.
#44 - Why is it important to see the differences amongst one another in our small, intimate circle to cultures around the world?
The importance in recognizing our differences is that people have different values, morals, beliefs, and ideas, and by allowing them to voice their opinions, a collaborative work often becomes more holistic and focuses on ideas that might not have been shared otherwise. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that not all cultures, countries, or even cities look exactly like our community, and we should understand that the way we do things is not a universal method usually. This forces us to see different perspectives and opens our eyes to new ways of doing things; ways we didn’t think of before.
The importance in recognizing our differences is that people have different values, morals, beliefs, and ideas, and by allowing them to voice their opinions, a collaborative work often becomes more holistic and focuses on ideas that might not have been shared otherwise. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that not all cultures, countries, or even cities look exactly like our community, and we should understand that the way we do things is not a universal method usually. This forces us to see different perspectives and opens our eyes to new ways of doing things; ways we didn’t think of before.
#45 - What are some ways that you can help the spread of kindness towards others?
There are so, so many ways you can spread kindness to others, especially on campus. In Leadership, we put a high priority on reaching out to the people furthest away from the program through activities like the hearts and the snowflakes on the windows. I know it always makes my day to see what positive note is written on the object, because it’s nice to be acknowledged for things that you do. Outside of the classroom, it’s pretty easy to spread kindness too. The book gives simple ways like holding the door open for someone or smiling at someone as you pass them. And those are good things, but there’s better ways than just common courtesy. Like complimenting people on their character or helping people with their daily tasks that seem overwhelming. Being a nice person really isn't that difficult.
There are so, so many ways you can spread kindness to others, especially on campus. In Leadership, we put a high priority on reaching out to the people furthest away from the program through activities like the hearts and the snowflakes on the windows. I know it always makes my day to see what positive note is written on the object, because it’s nice to be acknowledged for things that you do. Outside of the classroom, it’s pretty easy to spread kindness too. The book gives simple ways like holding the door open for someone or smiling at someone as you pass them. And those are good things, but there’s better ways than just common courtesy. Like complimenting people on their character or helping people with their daily tasks that seem overwhelming. Being a nice person really isn't that difficult.
#46 - Give someone a compliment via text message or DM. Who did you choose and how did it make you feel to support another person?
I chose to give a compliment to my mom, because I didn’t see her too much over the weekend because she felt sick. She recently got bangs, and they’re super cute on her, but my dad doesn’t like them and he made it very apparent. When she first got them cut, I told her how much I liked them, and she was appreciative, but I don’t think she believed me. So I told her on Saturday via text that they’re so, so cutie and definitely fit her face and her vibe. I can tell it made her feel better because she sent me a GIF in response, which is how she responds when she’s happier.
I chose to give a compliment to my mom, because I didn’t see her too much over the weekend because she felt sick. She recently got bangs, and they’re super cute on her, but my dad doesn’t like them and he made it very apparent. When she first got them cut, I told her how much I liked them, and she was appreciative, but I don’t think she believed me. So I told her on Saturday via text that they’re so, so cutie and definitely fit her face and her vibe. I can tell it made her feel better because she sent me a GIF in response, which is how she responds when she’s happier.
#47 - Discuss a time when you had self-doubt and set limitations on yourself. How did you or how can you change this behavior?
Whenever something involves creativity, especially drawing, I immediately say I can’t do it. This happens a lot during Homecoming and Winterfest, because that’s when that skill is needed the most. I always get nervous when April gives me a job that involves drawing or coloring, because I don’t wanna mess it up and fail her. It’s usually not a super big deal if I do, but I play it up in my head so much that I physically stop myself from being allowed to do it. I got over it, mostly, when I realized that April and I were kind of doing it alone and if I didn’t help her more, she was going to end up doing it entirely alone. So I sucked it up and did it even though I was scared to fail. It didn’t want to fail her by not even trying at all, because that wouldn’t be fair to her.
Whenever something involves creativity, especially drawing, I immediately say I can’t do it. This happens a lot during Homecoming and Winterfest, because that’s when that skill is needed the most. I always get nervous when April gives me a job that involves drawing or coloring, because I don’t wanna mess it up and fail her. It’s usually not a super big deal if I do, but I play it up in my head so much that I physically stop myself from being allowed to do it. I got over it, mostly, when I realized that April and I were kind of doing it alone and if I didn’t help her more, she was going to end up doing it entirely alone. So I sucked it up and did it even though I was scared to fail. It didn’t want to fail her by not even trying at all, because that wouldn’t be fair to her.