Being Different

Honk Junior, the Musical

I was privileged to be invited by a former student to see the musical production of Honk, based on the story of the Ugly Duckling. Though busy with my schedule, I took some time off so that I can give support to the main lead, played by my former student.

This little boy, who is now in fifth grade, was in my class when he was four years of age. I was very excited to hear and be in attendance to his school production and learning that there were also three former students of mine performing.

When he was doing his solo singing and acting at the same time, I managed to hold my tears as they were swelling up. This little boy reminds me of myself and his song, I'm Just Different, struck me without warning.

I'm Just Different

But I have a sense of pride

My looks may well be funny

But it hurts the same inside

Different isn't spiteful,

different isn't wrong

So why is it so hard to get along

I only want to get along.

Whilst being tagged a weird one when he was growing, what with his fascination with things round, he grew up to be an exemplary one. Right now, he is doing scientific notations and factorizations in mathematics when I go to his house for an hour (I teach him Math). Recently, he finished his lessons in web design and started making his own computer games while synchronizing a game he is playing with four other accounts without any assistance. he is creative and can draw intricate pictures from memory and from imagination. He is very kind to everyone and majority gave him positive feedbacks during their valentine activity in the classroom. He is not weird, different perhaps, but who isn't?

Just like the Ugly Duckling, nicknamed Ugly, I grew up perturbed by the comments I hear around but they made me stronger as I battle once again prejudice, racism and favoritism. I will not succumb to be with and along with the crowd, I should stand out and be proud. I am no longer the Ugly, though still not beautiful or handsome, but ever thankful for all my blessings. My being different gave me an edge.

Different isn't hateful

Different could be swell

Different is just well...

Different.