Dublin has been busy over the past few weeks. From track meets to One Act Play to pageants and band, it amazes me how busy our students stay.
And they do many things relatively well.
While covering the Miss Dublin pageant on Friday night, outgoing 2025 Miss Dublin Vanessa Pantoja told audience members she was scared to try out for the pageant, overwhelmed at the thought of attempting something she had always dreamt of, but was entirely outside of her comfort area.
Not only did she win the crown, but she did an amazing job of representing Dublin over the past year.
Trying something new isn’t easy. In a society that lives behind cell phone screens, computer monitors and is pretty dang anti-social, climbing the steep hill of anxiety is no easy feat to overcome.
But still our students try. Several girls in this year’s pageant were nervous. But they got on the stage.
We’ve had kids who have never acted before participate in One Act Play.
Those who have played a different instrument for years, try a whole new one, and receive high marks.
Students who have never participated in a track meet or an FFA contest, giving it their best.
This is an odd segway, perhaps, but why as adults are we so scared to join or try something new?
Over the past week, I’ve seen tired volunteers. Overworked. It’s often said that 10% of the people do 90% percent of the work.
In Dublin, it’s more like 5%, and that percentage is involved in everything, hold down full-time jobs, take care of spouses, children and pets.
How can that 5% become more like 10%, 15% or even 30%?
People have to get outside their comfort zone, put down their phones, and try something new.
I promise you, there are places to volunteer in this community. And you will be welcomed with open arms.
If our local kids can be brave, maybe we should try it as adults. — Wyndi Veigel-Gaudette is the Content Editor of The Dublin Citizen, and can be reached via email at composing@dublincitizen. com.