The Speech I Didn't Give

Traditionally at musical, all the seniors give speeches at the cast party.  When thinking about what to talk about, I considered two options in my mind.  I felt that this one was a lot more coherent and thought out, but I didn't give it for two reasons:

• It would have spent most of the time talking about people who weren't there, and the underclassmen may not have even known.
• It would have simply been an excuse to make people cry, starting with the seniors and working its way down to the freshmen

Why am I putting it here?  Because it is dedicated to the people who have had an important impact on my life.  Without further ado...

Seven People I want to thank who aren't at the cast party (all who have done QV shows in the past)

Senior of Crazy for You: MG
Primarily because she was the first (and only) person to ask me, "[NM], why aren't we dating?"  I couldn't take that as a proposal, she had another boyfriend at the time, but it was nice to be noticed like that.

Senior of Guys and Dolls: BT
Always someone I could talk to at just about any time.  And what he wrote in my yearbook may be the greatest thing ever: "[N], Ever since I've known you in Honk, you have been a great friend to me! I know you are going to do well in whatever you set your mind to! And just remember one thing, no matter what may be said to you in your life, God loves you, and your friends will always be here! God Bless! -[BT]"

Senior of Anything Goes: RG
Going back to freshman year, early on I didn't really talk with anyone all that much.  However, a half day came along and I didn't exactly want to walk down to Subway alone before rehearsal started.  Basically, what happened was I asked him and a group he was with if I could walk down with them.  I got a weird look from everyone else, but RG was all, "Why wouldn't it be okay if you came with us?"  I really think that what he did there really speaks well to musical, that anybody can really talk to anyone at just about any time, and eat lunch together.  Back to the whole accepting thing.

Current Senior: MS
MS is someone that I can still always talk to without fear of judgement.  A lot of the times when I'm feeling down, I'll just text her, vent for a little while, and get cheered up.  Fortunately, it doesn't happen that often, but it's nice to know that I have a great friend like that who's always willing to listen.

Current Junior: TH
Current Sophomore: J
These next two kind of really go together, so I'm going to cover them at the same time.  These people I have to admire for not doing musical.  People say all the time that anyone can join, and we will be accepting of anyone.  However, some people just have other things they want to do.  We can be accepting of anyone, but some people just feel like they don't belong.  It has nothing to do with talented, both of these people are as talented musically as can be.  Furthermore, both come from families that have always done the shows, musical families.  But they have had the strength to do what they want to do.  And I admire and respect that.

Current Freshman: BF
BF is the embodiment of the happiness that comes out of doing musical.  The fulfillment of putting on a show, the joy that comes out of the accomplishment, and the spirit of doing it.  She is also the spirit of JF's wisdom, that we aren't competing against each other, and is quite proud of her ability to be satisfied with what she gets (especially seen in The Little Mermaid).  She has also been a great friend to me, and always seems to be excited at any chance we get to see each other.  I love being around her, and she's been a great friend to me.

I would have concluded by saying how much I loved everyone, and how I didn't mean to offend anyone here, and then put out the same address/letter offer that I actually gave (and meant!).  I think the speech I gave was less thought out, but fit better into the context of the evening.  At any rate, it's been a great four years, and I'm going to miss it.

-NM