Rodrigues 1

Kaya Rodrigues

Ms. Cox

English 9 honors

14 May 2017

Weather Update: A Thunderstorm Has Come And Gone

Storms come in all different sizes. I have had my share of hurricanes, thunderstorms, and

even cloudy days. For a prompt like this, I feel like hurricanes are too personal. And cloudy days,

are really nothing. So I figure it might be best to share a thunderstorm. It was a pretty big

thunderstorm, and it had a great impact on my life. Nevertheless, I am very glad to say that I

made it through, and it has changed me. It's no exaggeration to say that I have become an entirely

different person over the course of my first 15 years on this planet. I'm an artist. I sing. I play

music. I'm obsessed with photography, and most people know I can write. I'm outgoing and

friendly, and I care for the people I'm around. However, I'm willing to bet I was the shyest kid

you've ever met, that is, if you even got to meet me before I hid. And I'll bet you would've

thought of me as the weirdest, most antisocial nerd of the bunch for many years. But I also bet

you would not be able to figure any of this out about me right now (except for the obvious fact

that I'm nerdy!). I have to admit, I never truly thought overcoming one trait could change my life

so drastically.

I know, you get it, I was shy. But this wasnt your typical everyday blushing-kid-while-

they-are-the-center-of-attention kind of shy. I would go so far as leaving church service at just

the right time for my choir class so that I didnt have to shake hands with anyone, and that was as

a five year old! And next to my sister, who has always been outgoing- to the point where she

would wander off and start a conversation with any random adult or child- I felt left out, and
 Rodrigues 2

there wasnt anything I could do about it. I was never sure of what exactly I felt left out of,

though. Reflecting on it now, I believe that feeling was only there to be fueled to the point where

I could finally be myself and do whatever it is that I am supposed to do.

I mentioned the fact that I am an artist. It wasnt intended to be an arrogant statement - to

be bragging - there is a true significance. Music is what brought me out of my shell, however, it

was a long process. The days I spent singing in the car, turning up the volume so I couldnt be

heard, were numerous. One day, while I was singing No One by Alicia Keys (Oh yes, my

ultimate jam of 2009), my Mom brought up the fact that I was really good at singing. I

immediately stopped singing and tried to defend myself- but what from?

Thats not a bad thing, Kaya, you should get involved in something a little higher level!

And off I went on a still ever-progressing journey. I learned about a very advanced

childrens choir and worked on My Country Tis of Thee, my audition song, with my first ever

choir director. When it came to the audition, I was in front of these old, stern faced,

judgemental judges, and I was so scared I can frankly not even remember what that room looked

like, what was said, or if there was even a reaction. All I remember is receiving a letter informing

me that I had been accepted into the highest choir for my age. This confirmed that my mom

wasnt solely being supportive no matter what; that I ACTUALLY had a good voice. With this

choir, I performed anywhere from elementary schools to Boettcher concert hall in downtown

Denver. I had so many amazing experiences, but after around a year and a half, I had outgrown

the experience. I just wasnt learning anymore. Luckily, we had just found a new church to call a

second home.

Saint Johns Cathedral Denver. On Capitol hill, surrounded by apartment buildings,

across from a school, and in front of a large parking lot separated from the church by a lovely
 Rodrigues 3

garden; it was its own little world away from all of these modern-day city structures- an old

building, a piece of history, left untouched by the harsh conditions of the rest of the world. And

on Christmas Eve, when I walked in, my black flats drenched by melted snow and my legs cold

from lack of being covered by the purple dress I wore, my loosely curled hair bouncing as I

moved, I felt so warm. It was a contrast to the cold wind just feet behind me, and when I heard

the angelic voices of the choir, floating around in the air, sounding as if they were fake, I felt so

connected. Connected to the celebration; the event we celebrate yearly, the music, the light, the

smell of the food from what I would later recognize as Dagwell Hall- all of it was so amazing,

and I dreamed of being a part of it.

My dad had already discussed me being in the choir with the director, Stephen Tappe;

after the service, my dad saw him and introduced me. Luckily, by now, I could (although rather

weakly) shake hands with people. He asked me right away when I would be joining them. My

face turned red and hot, and I wasnt sure what to say. I was in probably 4th grade; typically,

adults only talked to other adults, my parents. The over-eager man in choir robes smiled at me,

then said Soon, I hope! So I nodded. About a month later, I found myself in a room two stories

down from the main level of the church, holding a folder and music, singing from sight all that

was asked of me. However, when it came to talking to the director and other kids, I stayed quiet

and my sister came through to her spotlight, eliciting laughs and conversation. As usual, I played

along.

After learning all of the basics and earning my first ribbon- a rank which we had to study

and then test one-on-one with the director for, it came time for me to earn another. I was thrilled-

it typically took over a year to earn each ribbon, and I was going to earn my second within the

same year as the first! I had done the work and studying, I had auditioned and sung a few solos
 Rodrigues 4

in front of hundreds of people, just my voice in that cathedral; it was now a matter of that series

of hour-long test sessions. My final test session really ended up changing me. I was on my own,

sight singing some passages, which was daunting. Naturally, I was singing quietly. He stopped

me and looked right at me. He told me that I was very talented, and that I had an amazing voice,

but he said I had to quit being shy. He said he knew I could get places with my talent, but if I was

always acting shy, onstage or individually, my confidence, happiness, or talent wouldnt be able

to carry. He said I had to at least pretend I wasnt shy in front of people, performing. Somehow,

over anything else I had ever been told, this clicked in my mind. I went on to be in the adult

choir and even got paid for my work, and I earned another ribbon.

I am not sure if there is a definitive point in time where I just stopped acting shy in

person. Im not sure it was an automatic switch. I just knew that my ability to introduce myself to

other people and make a lasting impression, to perform or present with confidence and

excitement, even my ability to dance and have fun like nobody cares (and Ill be honest, nobody

does) was all brand new. All I really know is that it has helped me so much to overcome this

storm. I am able to gain a reputation as a kind, happy person; a friend, a leader, and almost a

professional of sorts. I have gotten to perform, be in may leadership roles, mentor people, and so

many other things I wouldnt be able to do if I couldnt even shake a hand. So, everyones got a

storm; they may have many, big or small. As Haruki Murakami said, When you come out of the

storm, you wont be the same person who walked in. And while this particular storm I chose to

write about was no hurricane, it did change me. Thats what this storms all about. So thats my

thunderstorm. Whats yours?