“By
its very definition, glee is about opening yourself up to joy.”
It’s
hard to believe that it’s time for me to write this. When I was younger the
thought of this seemed almost nonexistent-like it was a question that should
never be asked. Even though I was fully aware that shows must come to a close,
the ending of Glee was something that
I couldn’t even fathom. I know that I’m already getting all emotional, in fact
it’s taken me some time over the course of the past few weeks to write this.
Later
this week, Glee will air its last and
final episode after six years on the air, ending a television phenomenon. While
like many shows (and relationships) it’s had its ups and downs saying goodbye
to this show in a way feels like saying goodbye to a friend and closing a door
of adolescence. I was 16 when Glee
was beginning to air its first season. I was a young, musical theater obsessed
girl in High School who like many of the shows characters and loyal viewers
felt out of place in my school environment. I was not like the typical high
school student, I was different and I yearned to find something whether it was
a TV show, book or movie that I could look at and see myself. Like Rory Gilmore
did on Gilmore Girls, I lived in a
world of books growing up. I was a painfully shy child and clung to the pages
of the beloved characters in my stories. I also had learning needs, which
worked to set me even further apart from the other students at school. I had
very little in common with the vast majority of other girls in my high school
but we all thought that Josh Duhamel was a dreamboat (and he is)!
My
parents always told me that I was unique, smart and that I should never go
doubting those special traits, quirks, intense love for theater and books. Like
all other teenagers I dutifully sat, listened and nodded all while thinking,
“they just don’t get it”, “they don’t understand me” and of course “blah blah
blah, are they done yet?!” Then along came Glee.
I will always remember the first time that I saw Glee, I realized that it was different
than anything else on television. When I turned on the TV, I felt as if I could
really see myself in these characters. I personally identified with the
character of Rachel Berry. While I can’t sing a note on key-trust me you don’t want
to hear it and I don’t consider myself bossy, we happen to have a lot in
common. We’re both quirky and we know what we want in life. We’re very driven,
focused people and we will do whatever it takes to accomplish something and no
one is going stop us. While we both have our moments of doubt and times that we
are scared to proceed in fear of what can happen, we and with the help of
others always work to find a way to overcome it.
Watching those early episodes of Glee was comforting in a way-it made me feel like I could do anything
and worked to instill a newfound sense of confidence in myself. Growing up with
learning differences, I often felt out of place, judged for something that I
couldn’t help and was often told “no.” Many times, school felt like being the
last kid picked for the kickball team or being thrown into the deep end of the
pool before you are ready. Watching Glee
not only helped me accept my differences and quirks but to also celebrate them,
as they are not only a part of me but also what make me unique. As the song
from Shrek says “what makes you
special makes you strong.”
Glee not only
broke music records but it shined a light on musical theater -that alone puts a
big smile on my face but, it also instilled a sense of confidence and pride in
many of its viewers. The show has changed television, captured our hearts,
broke down stereotypes and made countless individuals feel accepted. It showed
its fans that anything was possible and just because you dream of something
else like Broadway it doesn’t make you a “loser” by any means!
6 years and 121 episodes later since it all began it’s time
to say goodbye. Thanks Glee for all
of the memories! It’s been quite a ride and you’ll be greatly missed!
XOXO
-Bwaygirl828
