Do What YOU Love :)

My family supporting me after my
last performance at MSHS in
Guys and Dolls.

From the time I could speak, I was singing.  The story goes that my Poppop used to push me on the swing in his back yard and say to me "Sing loud!"  And apparently I took his advice to heart, because I haven't stopped singing since.  Now, if you were to ask my family how they feel about that, it could be a blessing or a curse (My sisters like to say that I get on their nerves, because I literally never stop singing, but I'd like to think that they miss me while I'm away at school.)

Singing "Best Thing I Never Had"
at Mr. Millville 2012

The first time I did a competition, I was extremely nervous.  Quite frankly, I didn't have the experience on stage needed to have a good performance.  My family stood there and cheered for me, regardless of my lack of presence that the other performers all seemed to have already.  When I came off the stage, crying, because I didn't win the competition, they comforted me.  My Poppop told me something that I still live by to this day.

My little sisters and two good friends
supporting me after coming in 1st

He said to me, "Jessica, you need to sing because its fun and you love it, not because you're going to get something out of it".  Those words really resonated with me.  Why was I so upset in the first place?  It was my first competition, and it was just for fun.  I got to buy cute new clothes, and go on stage and do my absolute favorite thing in the world in front of at least a hundred people.

Shortly after one of Poppop's
"Do it because you love it" speeches

So, with each competition, I looked for ways to make it more fun.  Whether it was simply in the outfit I was wearing, or singing a song I could add a shout-out to, I was enjoying myself.  Even singing the most upsetting and heartfelt songs like "Just A Dream" by Carrie Underwood left me with a smile.  If you ask me, my new found outlook on performing after his advice gives me a leg up on the competition... because no matter what, I'm having fun.  There is no pressure, only the joy of doing something I love more than anything.

I am a perfectionist and I stress myself out, and I freak out before every performance expecting the worst.  My mom and grandparents are the ones that really have to deal with it the most.  Usually I get that same line "Do it because its fun and you love it".  And you know what?  Singing is fun... and I do love it.  All it takes is that little reminder, and I'm ready to go.  Hand me the mic, put me on the stage, and shine the spotlight on me.  It's showtime.