The Time I Was Nominated To Be President

I am not a highly social person, I force myself to try to do things with other people. I mean, I like people, I like learning stuff, I enjoy the intricacies of people who exist outside of my head. I actually like people. I just find I also like not being around people and dealing with intricacies of people who exist outside my head.

In college, I decided I would make friends and the best way to make friends is to establish a common ground first and then build from there. I joined the theater club. I had been involved in theater in high school mostly behind the scenes. In college, I helped with costuming and makeup – and set building, once. I really should not be building things.

Like friendships.

This was a super-official club. Sometimes the letters Alpha Psi Omega were thrown around. But, I went to a small college that didn’t have Greek stuff. Whatever. We still had chapter meetings and an official president, vice-president, treasure and historian. Something. IDK.

I normally fly under the radar but I guess some of my punchiness was picked up by someone. Because I attended the meeting and our meeting agenda involved picking a new president.

Here is how this conversation went:

Jessica: So, I nominate Bruce!
Mark: Yes, Bruce in the best! We all want him to be the president. He loves this club and theater.
Maddie: [listening to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies in my head]
Sally: Right now he is solving world problems in some war ravaged place that doesn’t speak English, but, that’s ok because while he’s an America he has six-pack abs and speaks other languages.
Ned: He’s a model of a human, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Maddie: [listening to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies in my head]
Jessica: [looking through official documents about stuff] We can’t have one person nominated. For us to go by the by-laws, we have to have at least two people running for president
Jennifer: Idk, who else wants it?
Jeff: We really like Bruce. Can’t we just elect him? Get him on the phone.
Maddie: [listening to Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies in my head]
Rebecca: I nominate Maddie. Does anyone second the motion?
Maddie: Wait, what?
Jessica: You have been nominated. I second the motions.
Maddie: Are we using Westminster parliamentary procedures or American parliamentary procedures?
Jessica: Maddie, you have 2 minutes to give a speech on why you should be selected.

This was my moment. The moment where someone recognized my natural leadership abilities, my confidence and drive. My determination and commitment to the art and science of something I was passionate about. I could see it in a flash – the work, the way I could make a difference in this tiny group. I had ideas about programs and venues and how we could bring theater to the people! Sure, I wasn't pretty or skilled or talented, but, I would work my ass off every waking second to harness the talent we had to make this world a better place.

My future, the future of the club was based on everyone. EVERYONE. We could do it.

I stood, I cleared my throat and decided to go with the only thing I really had to offer – honesty.

Maddie: …I’m keeping democracy alive…

So, Bruce was elected. He was great at it. I still think it was the most honest I’d ever been.