Perhaps, It wasn't them- it was YOU!

sunflower2499
Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:10:59 +0000

Well, I thought I was done until Jkellyn17 called me a liar, which I am not. Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough and that’s what led you to believe my son/situation was a “train wreck” and that I was not being "100% truthful.: I can be called many things… but a liar is not one of them. So, I’ll explain my kids’ timeline for the past 2 years because I’m thinking that’s where I lost you.

Graduated high school, went to community college in 14 had his first year of auditions… He got into to the New School, VCU and another 2nd tier school and WL for his dream school CMU. He didn’t get in, WL is just another way to make some people feel happy. If you don’t get in, let’s just call it a rejection. This time around 14-15, he didn’t even audition for CMU because he realized that that wasn’t where he really belonged (things happen for a reason). He attended one of the above schools for 1/2 year and chose to leave because he felt he was wasting money and didn’t fit into their program. So… he left 5 weeks ago and patiently awaited his results like everyone else. I asked what was his plan B if he didn’t get accepted to any of his schools. ( I mean, I only sent 1 college application and got into UCI and then transferred to UCSB but that was 32 years ago and I looking back, I would never have put all of my eggs in one basket. I just got lucky). He didn’t have a plan B.

If it makes anyone feel better to call me a liar, then so be it. I didn’t realize that this discussion group could disrupted by my thoughts. I never intended to mention how my kid did, but again it was suggested that I might not be telling the complete truth again. My son is more than embarrassed and hopes no one figures out his identity.

The worst thing about being a parent is when you realize that, in the final analysis, even when you’ve done everything in your power, they don’t get what they want. What’s worse is that this entire process is so subjective. Do you believe when the director tells an actor that they have talent but unfortunately they are putting together a team that has to work together for the next 4 years? I do!. I am not so bold to assume they can build a team around my kid. I really wanted him to get into UNCSA, but he didn’t. He is obviously talented, but he doesn’t fit their plan for the class of 2019. Rutgers wasn’t even on his radar, they thought he would be a great fit–apparently not enough to admit him.

In the end, I’m still left wondering. “How many parents here went to all of your kids voice/acting/dance lessons with them? How many were there for every rehearsal? How many went to the casting director, on their behalf, and expressed your disappointment that they didn’t get that role?” Are you the one who has her ear to the door as they audition (why?). That is the parent I was directing my comments to. If it’s you then I hope you let your child fend for themselves. Confidence comes from within. At that age, they can handle the spotlight without mom/dad holding their hand.

If the above doesn’t describe you, then let it go. This is what worked for my kid and if something else works for yours great. I have 7 kids and I know that no 2 kids are the same. The only thing that is consistent is that we love them all and are learning what works for each of them.