Elena Nancarrow

Ms.Kenny

Career Development Period: 4-ACE

5 February 2018

Life is a balancing act. If too much time is focused on one aspect, life will be much more

stressful than intended. I never quite understood that concept. To me, life was always about the

social aspect. Whenever I was invited to anything at all, I would drop everything I had planned in

order to attend the event. From anything as little to going out for lunch with friends, to as big as

going to a party. I was always worried about being left out so, all the other parts of my life took

second place.

You are invited to attend The Ella Bella Fashion Show at King of Prussia Mall on the

twenty-third of April. We will be going to tea prior to the event. The event includes free

refreshments and will be giving out free gifts and samples as well. Let us know if you are

interested in coming with us! A grin spread broadly across my face as I read the contents of the

fancy, lilac, letter that my best friend handed to me earlier that day. A surge of excitement

rushed through me causing me to jump up and down repeatedly with bounds of joy. My hand

reached up to cover my mouth, it was the only thing I could do to keep from squealing. Before I

could even process my actions, my legs took off. They moved in long strides, feet slamming on

the floor with every step. “MOM!” I screeched, as I scrambled frantically down the stairs like an

electrified kid on Christmas morning. I sprinted into the kitchen with more speed than I ever

knew I could muster. “MOM! LOOK AT THIS!” I screamed shaking the invitation in her face. She

stood there pouring boiling water into a mug for tea. Her whole body omitted a stressful aura,

she did not seemed amused with my excitement. She reached out her tired hand and grabbed

the envelope with a sigh. Quietly, she read it over to herself. “Looks really fun,” she started

making me giggle with happiness, “but you can’t go, you’re sister’s Communion is that day.”
Instantly my whole demeanor fell. My grinning face molded into a deep scowl. My bouncing

bones settled to a still. My giggles turned to utter silence. “Are you kidding me? Can’t I just miss

it?” I begged. “No! This is a family event and an important part of your sister's life, you can’t miss

it for anything.” She countered. “Whatever, this is so dumb!” I yelled as I stomped away, up the

stairs and to my room, slamming the door.

After a few days of persistent attempts to convince my mom to let me go to the fashion

show I gave up. Now I sat in the very seat that I had been so desperately trying to avoid and

tried the best I could to doze off with my eyes still open. To the best of my knowledge, it worked

because the next thing I know the dreadful, boring ceremony finally came of a close. I sluggishly

stood up and began walking, as if I was a zombie, to the car. “Are we going home now?” I asked

with a slight groan, slight excitement, hoping I’ll soon be back in bed. “No. We are going to the

party.” My mom stated back. I threw my head back and groaned loudly. “Stop complaining!” She

hissed at me. I just shook my head and prepared myself for another two hours of family and no

friends.

Pescatores, an Italian restaurant, is where the party was being held. We walked into a

low-lighted room filled with tables on tables. Ugh! Why couldn’t I just go to the stupid fashion

show. I’d be having so much more fun. I thought while audibly letting out a giant sigh. From

across the room I could see my mom scowl at me causing me to quickly shut my mouth. I was

seated at a table with all my younger cousins. The kids table. Just the cherry on top of the cake.

I sat there with my arms crossed scrolling through my phone looking longingly at the pictures of

my friends who were at the fashion show. “Hey Elena!” My cousin Blake exclaimed. “Wanna

dance with us?” I turned away to think about it, being I was completely occupied sitting at my

spot and sulking. “Sure, why not?” I shrugged standing up and making my way over to them.

We all began to dance, I took a more conservative approach, while all the others flung

themselves around wildly. They almost looked like actual monkeys. A slow chuckle rolled off my

tongue. As I watched them spin around more and more, that chuckle evolved into a full on
donkey laugh. Before I knew it, I had joined them in the bizarre dance ritual they had taken up.

We jumped, we spun, we laughed, until out feet couldn’t take it anymore. An insistent thirst

caused us to cease our dancing and we headed back to the table to get a drink. The rest of the

night was spent talking and laughing. To my own surprise, I was almost sad when it was over.

“Did you have a good time?” My mom asked as we left the restaurant. “Actually, I did.” I said

with a slight smile etched onto my face.

Life is a balancing act. It took me a while to understand, but after my experience, I

realized that to be successful in life, I had to make time for everything. In missing the fashion

show with my friends I became more aware of how important family is. This idea changed my

whole perspective on life. In order to be genuinely happy and stress free, I had to spend equal

amounts of time with friends, family and school. With this concept fresh in my brain, I was able

to better plan out my day, my week, my life. I suddenly felt more mature, almost like I had

figured out the key to life. To most people, this view might not seem to create such an effect on

a person’s life, but for me, it made all the difference.