“Rhythm!” Bellowed my dance teacher. “Rhythm, rhythm, rhythm!” he repeated over and over again to a group of beginning African dance one students of which I, unfortunately somehow was part of.

You see, the only reason I had put myself in such a “rhythm-filled” situation was because in theory this class seemed fun, effortless, and most importantly, an easy A. But as I learned quickly and harshly, it was about as far as that as anything could come. African Dance class was how I should say, tough, challenging, and most importantly it demanded your entire dedication.
So there I was, with no sense of rhythm trying to find my way through this class. At times I felt just like giving up. I mean, why should I stay? I was not going to become a professional dancer. I truly had no business being in that class. But being as hard headed that I am, I stuck it out. I stayed and tried. Some days I would give it my all, in hopes of gaining a positive response from the teacher and other dancers. Other days I felt totally discouraged and reverted to the rhythm less beginner I felt inside, especially as being surrounded by other girls who could move like the wind.

But now the school year is over and so is dance. In some ways I feel relieved, the stress of trying so hard in something that I was not so good in was over. But in others I was happy I stayed in it, I think I learned more in dance than I ever believed I would.

By enduring dance class, it has given me an odd number of “rewards” in return. First I learned how to really listen to the drums and other instruments used in traditional African dance. Of course I’m not really sure how this will help me survive in the real world, but I consider it an asset. Next I learned how to really take criticism. I mean really take it, have it yelled at me in my face and how to deal with it.

Finally I learned that while I may never take another dance class a day in my life, I’ve been inspired to take different classes and join different clubs and groups before I go off to college. Maybe that sounds cheesy and sure most adults I know have said the same thing to me over and over again but it’s true! Sure it took an entire year of dance to figure out that you have to make changes to get change, but better late than never, as most say.

So as a fellow high school student preparing for all the challenges and excitement of college, one of the best things to do before, is try new activities. Just go ahead and try. Maybe you’ll find your rhythm along the way.