Bailey Jimmison

Dearest Dr. Suess,

"Try them! Try them! And you may. Try them and you may, I say?" To some, this is just another silly Dr. Suess rhyme, but to me this opened up my small isolated six-sided cardboard existence to a spontaneous and free outside world. The first time someone ever read this story to me I thought about how cute "Sam I am" was, and how angry the other man seemed. However, now when I sit and read the story to my little sister, I feel that I misunderstood Sam because he was not just being cute, but rather he was simply trying to open up his unnamed friend's world to something new and exciting.

When I first moved to Davenport, Iowa, I felt very isolated and resisted trying new things, I was satisfied with doing the "same ol' same ol"', and I was almost afraid to be noticed. One of the first things that I was told at my new school was that I would have to sing a solo in front of my 7th, grade class, and just like Sam's friend, I responded quickly with a "no, I will not ". I felt like I was being pressured to perform, and I was worried that my voice would crack and that no one would like it. I lacked confidence and felt that I was not good enough to be recognized for a solo. By saying that I would not do it, I missed my opportunity to try out for a solo. Luckily, I had "my Sam" in that situation because my choir teacher and my closest friends begged me to sing and try out for a solo. Eventually I was tired of being pressured and I did it. I was shaking as if it was a frosty afternoon in the middle of January before I started, but in the end, it was an amazing and uplifting experience. My confidence grew that moment.

Two weeks ago, I traveled with other students in my school to the All-State Music Festival in Ames, Iowa. I felt prepared and ready to conquer my obstacles of trying something new again. I prayed that no matter what the outcome, good or bad, happy or sad, that it was about taking another step to being a more confident singer and performer. The anticipation built up in my stomach and was starting to make me nervous. I stepped into the plainly colored white room, and just like the unnamed friend, closed my eyes and took the bite and knew it would be okay when it was over. My mind was racing and I felt that everything would fall apart if I did not make the MI-State choir. Then I stopped and thought how much I have changed and the confidence that just shines through me. I knew I was wasn't shaking like the frosty afternoon, instead I was the beautiful confident Blue jay singing the sweet song, while sitting on the strong everlasting oak tree on warm fall day.

I would have never thought I would have had the courage to be vulnerable and take a risk. I would have been doing the "same ol' same ol"' just like 4 years ago in that 7th grade room. But I have blossomed and have gained confidence. Because even though Green Eggs and Ham is primarily understood by elementary students as funny or silly, the simple book has a good lesson to be learned for living a successful life. In my case, I was accepted into the Iowa All-State Choir and will sing forever knowing that "Sam" is the reason for my confidence and success. So, thank you for "Sam" who showed me that taking chances can be the best moments you will have, and for the unnamed friend who showed me that feeling isolated and stubborn is okay, but to always have a open mind.

"I do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am!"

Sincerely,
Bailey Jimmison