“What’s the answer to this?’’ I thought to myself, before getting interrupted by my teacher who was making the announcement for the school play.

Excitedly, she said, “Jenna you are selected for the school play named ‘The Girl in the Garden’.”

What! I wasn’t ready for a school play. How was I going to do this? I told Mia (my best friend) about it and she was thrilled, but I wasn’t. I didn’t tell Mia how I was feeling; I just thought that she would worry about me. Instead, I told her that I was over the moon to be participating in the school play. What a lie that was!

When I got home, all I could think about was the play and the more I revised the lines, the more nervous I became.

The next day at school, I decided to tell my teacher that I wasn’t ready. But before I could do this, Miss Jackie spoke up.

“Jenna there is good news for you! We have invited some guests, and among them are people from the local theatre, and they can cast you in their plays, so you have to be perfect!” she said excitedly.

That got me thinking, what if this is my big break? What if I become famous?

On the day of the play, a shiver ran down my spine. Before the show started, I saw a lot of people arriving in the auditorium and I panicked! I ran outside and sat on a bench near the pond by the school. Then I saw a tall shadow appear. It was Miss Jackie.

She sat down next to me and said, “Jenna, you don’t have to be perfect, I put too much pressure on you unnecessarily. You don’t even have to act in the play. I’m sorry for what I made you go through.”

She stood up to leave when I took her hand and said, “Even though my blood is pumping with adrenaline, I still want to perform in the play. I’m ready!”

Miss Jackie smiled and signalled me to follow her. I followed her, got ready, and got on the stage.

At first, I got scared. But then I saw Miss Jackie and Mia smiling at me proudly, and that was exactly what I needed to boost my confidence. I took a deep breath and the play began. I didn’t care about anyone in the audience, I was there for myself!

My acting was exceptional and my performance received a standing ovation! I realised after this that true friends give you all the courage and encouragement that you need!

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 24th, 2022