FOMO.
- Jen Kraakevik
- Aug 3, 2015
- 2 min read
She had no idea how much FOMO she had.
FOMO, that is, the Fear Of Missing Out. I learned very quickly that this high school leader in my cabin was seeking attention. She also enjoyed her authority.
Whenever someone would say her name, she'd say (even if they said her name from afar), "What did you say?" She wanted to make sure she was included, but more importantly, that she could help.
A terrific enthusiast and excited to be a camp, she had welcomed and immediately interacted with the campers on board. I think I have the gift of hospitality, but this girl completely showed me up. She kindly offered her soap, towel, sweatshirt and bed to the 9-year-old and the 26-year-old counselor who left something at home. Man was she prepared.
As you talked to her, she had a kindness about her. And yet, she was very particular about the way she did things. Having to work with her, I learned quickly that there was no need for a power struggle in spite of our different styles.
We could use each other's strengths. I saw when she was concerned about something and she clearly communicated it to me. I let her do what she thought was best, even if I didn't think it was important to worry about. When she wanted to talk to the kids a certain way, I let her because she needs to learn what's best for her.
I used her as a resource as a four-time participant in this camp, a cousin to one of the directeors and an "in" to the way things were done here. She was my connection to the "right" way to do things or at least the way things were done here at camp.
As she opened up more and more, she displayed her leadership and kindness in bonding with the campers by becoming their "mom" and referring to herself as so. She clearly had a one-up on the other counselors in training. She had the communication skills, saw when she made a mistake and admitted to the person. She had a part-time job and took responsibility like an adult.
Not only that, but a canoe capsized, she took her lifeguarding skills and not only saved the boat, but took care of the 9-year-old non-swimmer and followed through with pulling the heavy canoe across a pond all the way to its correct place. Regardless of if others were worried, I wasn't. I knew she could handle it and could see afterwards that she was exhilarated by what she could do. Inspired, one could say, by the fact that she was able to use what she knows to help people.
She's only 16.
My mind brings me back to my background and the biblical knowledge that applies. Whether you believe in Christianity or not, this verse directly applies to her.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example... in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
Keep it up girl, you're amazing.
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