S - Super Me #AtoZChallenge

‘Jack of all trades, master of none.’ My mom said this, as I was going for my first tennis lesson. I totally disagree with that saying.  Since when did having more skills become a disadvantage? Since the day I lost a singing competition because I didn’t get formal training, I never let someone else’s views deter me from being the best version of me.

I took tennis lessons for a while, then started going for dance classes. Because, my friend, Sandhya, praised a new dance studio, where she was learning Salsa. I had enrolled myself for the next batch because I wanted to learn Salsa.  Now that I'm thinking, I am quite proficient in classical singing, modern singing, various forms of dancing, drawing, few sports, poetry and so much more. Every new task to me is just as special as the first one. I believe some knowledge of everything is what makes me complete. One day after the dance class, I asked Sandhya to pick me up for our weekly movie routine, as my parents would be busy that day.

‘Do you know, Siri, our classmate? She's enrolled in so many voluntary causes. I saw her near my home, at one such event. She's inspired me a lot. I'm going to volunteer along with her from this week, so I can’t make to the movie this Sunday. Sorry Sakshi,’ said Sandhya. I didn’t know that one simple act can inspire others so much. I decided to try this out as well, because, being selfless is something I wanted to learn since long. I said, ‘I’ll join you both. Looking at the passion with which you're talking, that's enough for me to join.’

I went with them and learned so much about sharing in just one day. I decided to spend more time helping others and volunteered with Siri, wherever she did. Initially, it was just to prove to everyone that I was good also in this area, but slowly I got involved. However, I kept this part of my life secret, because I didn’t want anyone to think that I did this for the sake of attention.  I was happy and satisfied, for the first time in my life.

One day, Siri came to me and said, ‘You’ve been so good and helping everyone. Initially, I thought this was just another way for you to pass time. But your dedication has proved otherwise. You taught so many here, that the intention to help is what makes the difference. I know you want to stay anonymous because of your humility. But with your friends included, we can reach more people. Are you willing to help me with this? Is it OK, if we ask your friends to join as well?’

I never thought of it that way. If more can join then it'd only be better. So I said, ‘Yes, I'm in.’

The next week in college, she came to me and said, ‘Hi, Sakshi.’ I ignored her for a while and then commented about her desire to be with popular people. She was hurt and left immediately. No doubts in guessing, I avoided her as much as I could.

Months later, when we met at a common event, she asked, ‘Why were you mean to me that day? If you got back to being mean, you wouldn’t have continued working here, so what actually happened?’

I said, ‘A few days before that happened, my friends were mean to me. The competitive streak in me came out and the only way they'd believe I was meaner was if I behaved the way I did. I am not sorry for what I did because that’s who I am. I believe in the cause, so I am still here. If you are willing to accept me in spite of my behaviour, then we can still be friends.’

I knew she was a good person, so she'll be my friend again. I didn't regret anything because I genuinely was not sorry for being good at many things, both nice and the not so nice things. But this whole experience makes me question if I was wrong in wanting to excel at everything.