1. THE TALENT SHOW By: Clarisse Balase

2. One Monday afternoon at school, a girl named Jessica saw a poster that says, “Join our school’s “Talent Show”! Auditions are on Thursday at Ms. Page’s class room. Prizes would be provided.” Jessica likes singing very much, but she has big fear in performing in front of a lot of people. She want to be able to sing in front of everyone without getting scared anymore, so she decided to sign up for the auditions.

3. Jessica went home and thought about what song she wants to sing for the auditions. She was thinking really hard until she figured out a song that she knows and love. She decided to practice as much as she can until the day of the auditions come. Jessica worked so hard alone and she started to feel a little bit more comfortable and she actually started to feel a little bit confident. Until the Thursday, the day of the auditions came.

4. Thursday at school, Jessica was feeling sick because after school she would sing in front of the judges. Time passed by and a voice at the announcement came. “Attention students, don’t forget if you signed up for this year’s talent show, go to Ms. Page’s room for the auditions today after school.” Jessica was shaking from fear she was thinking to just back out. She would have to talk to Ms. Page first to back out and so she did.

5. Jessica went to Ms. Page’s room with sadness on her face. She saw her friend Ann not knowing that Ann signed up for auditions. Ann came up to her. “Hi Jessica! Your joining the talent show too?! That is so cool!” “Hey Ann, I don’t think I’ll be able to do the auditions today…I’m really scared to sing in front of people.” Jessica said sadly. “No! don’t worry Jessica, I’ll be here for you. You’d be alright. Please, please, please join and audition, please?” Ann was determined to make Jessica join. “Well ok then, Wha—What’s there to lose right?” Jessica said in a nervous voice. “Yay! I’ll be right here if you need me kay?” “Okay, thanks Ann,” said Jessica.

6. Jessica waited and waited for her turn to audition. She was really scared for her turn to come. Ann came before her and when Ann was done, she had a big smile on her face and wished Jessica good luck. Jessica came to see Ms. Page and saw her sitting straight, waiting for Jessica to come forward. “Jessica what are you going to do for the talent show sweety?” Ms. Page asked nicely. “Uh-uhm…I’m going to uh—sing Ms. Page.” “Alright sweety the floor is yours.” Ms. Page said with a smile. Jessica is shaking badly and no words seem to come out of her mouth. Finally she spoke. “Ms. Page I can’t do this! I shouldn’t have went. I’m sorry for wasting your time.” Jessica was upset. “Sweety its alright don’t worry, just pretend your singing alone without anyone around.” Ms. Page tried to encourage Jessica, and so Jessica closed her eyes tightly and got ready to sing. Jessica pretended she was singing alone just like the times she practiced at home. Clear music was in the air and the beauty of her singing delighted Ms. Page. Jessica’s song ended and she opened her eyes without fear, but a smile on her face. “Well done Jessica! You are amazing! You just need to feel comfortable singing in front of people and you would be ready to go on the talent show next week.” “Thank you Ms. Page, that really means a lot.” Then Jessica left feeling happy with her auditions.

7. Jessica came home that day with a positive attitude. She can’t wait to actually sing on the talent show and show her school her talent. Next week seems to be far away, but Jessica took her time to practice in front of her brothers and sisters. She’s not thinking about quitting anymore. She’s ready for the talent show and she knows exactly what to do if she ever feels scared to sing in front of a lot of people. Thanks to Ms. Page’s suggestion Jessica is a little bit more comfortable and relaxed.

8. The day of the talent show finally came and Jessica is just waiting in line for the Host to call her name. She waited and waited, clapped and clapped for support to her peers who went up the stage with great talents. She saw Ann go up the stage and gave a big thumbs up. Anne read her poetry as her talent and touched many hearts. At the end of Anne’s performance everyone started snapping their fingers with delight. Now it’s time for Jessica to perform. The host came to the stage and spoke in his microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, our last performance of the night, singing her own song for us…Jessica!” People clapped to show support and Jessica came up to the stage. Jessica feels a little nervous but not as much as before. She feels a little excited at the same time and she just start to pretend that she’s singing alone as usual. Her song is flowing from her soul and each word was just so beautiful. The crowd is silent, really listening to the beauty of Jessica’s voice. Then Jessica finished her song. The crowd went wild! Jessica was surprised and she was really really happy. She didn’t know what to say, she was enjoying this moment of happiness.

9. “Ladies and gentlemen, we would now announce the winners of this year’s talent show.” The host interrupted the crowd. All of tonight’s performers stood in front of the crowd and everyone were quiet, not making a word. The students in the talent show were listening and paying attention. The moment was intense. “And now, for third place…our winner is Jose who break dance!” people cheered and quickly got quiet again. The host was the only one who keeps breaking the silence. “Our second place goes to…Anne who touched our hearts with her beautiful poetry!” And again, people cheered and quickly got silent for the main winner. “And now, first place goes to ….Jessica who sung her own song!” People were cheering almost as if it would go on forever. Jessica didn’t know what to do, she was stuck in the moment of happiness. Then the host gave her the microphone for her to say what she’s got to say.

10. Jessica got the microphone and started telling the audience her problems that she had to fix for the talent show. “I was really scared to join the talent show because I’ve always been scared performing in front of a lot of people. I was going to quit because I really thought I couldn’t do it. I was really scared for my audition but thanks to Anne and Ms. Page who encouraged me to stay and not just quit on facing my fears. Quitting is never the answer to something hard for us to do. We just have to work really hard and believe in our selves. Thank you so much and good night!” The talent show came to an end but the memorable memories would never go away. Jessica faced her fears and you can too. Its time to show the world what you can do! Are you willing to face your fears like how Jessica faced hers? Lets see a little challenge!