Surface Level Act | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Face We Put On Does Not Define Who We Really Are...Ever

Just because we do not know what our act is, does not mean we are forgotten or not needed in this world.

164
Greatest Showman

If you have ever seen the movie 'The Greatest Showman', you may recall the scene where P.T. Barnum has taken on Philip Carlye as a partner and Philip is meeting Anne Wheeler (the trapeze artist) for the first time. She asks him a simple question: "What's your act, Mr. Carlye?" He responds with: "I don't have an act". She, of course, tells him that "everyone's got an act," but what did she really mean by this.

Did she mean that everyone involved with the circus had to have a circus act? Perhaps not. It seems as if she used her act to identify who she was and so the fact he didn't have an act showed he wasn't sure about what his 'identity' was. That maybe he was insecure. Our "acts" don't define us.

For example, if you are a football player or the best dancer, your identity does not lie in that. That thing you are involved in is not who you are, it is simply something you do and enjoy. One day my mom asked me what my hobbies are, what I like to do. I couldn't seem to answer because I did not even know myself. I was like Philip, I did not know what my 'act' was and was even convinced that I did not have one.

Everyone has something they enjoy doing, everyone has an act. It is up to you to decide what your act is. No one else can decide your act for you. You must decide for yourself. The great thing is that you do not have a deadline to have your 'act.' As J. R. R. Tolkien once wrote, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us". Just because we do not know what our act is, does not mean we are forgotten or not needed in this world.

In fact, this "act" of ours is more for us than for others since everyone else has what is unique to them. We may have similar acts, but we all make them unique. If you look at the show, "America's Got Talent," you'll notice that there are multiple acts that are the same kind of act. For example, many people sing a song or play an instrument. If you were to look at a list of what each person's talent was, you'd say there was nothing unique about any of them.

But if you take a step back and look at each performance, you'd see have completely different and unique the acts are. The same goes for all our acts. We all have a part to play in this world. Some may look similar, but if you look at the big picture you'll notice how incredibly needed each and every act and person is. How amazingly unique each one is. We all have an act, the question is, do we know what that act is? And how can we best use it to love and serve others around us?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1303
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1057
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments