Dear Evan Hansen

I watched the 2017 Tony Awards and was genuinely impressed by how the musical Dear Evan Hansen stood out among the other stage productions. I loved the story, especially how it highlights the challenges faced by those living with social anxiety disorder.

It made me reflect on my younger self. I don’t have social anxiety disorder, but I’ve never been the type to thrive in large “barkada” groups. I’ve always preferred the close-knit bond of a best friend. I have friends, but you could literally count them on one hand. I also tend not to open up easily. Writing has always been my outlet; journals, diaries, you name it. As long as I could express myself on paper, I was okay. I wrote almost everything, every day.

Now, as a trainer, I’ve learned the value of expanding networks and building connections. I genuinely enjoy meeting and talking to new people. People change but sometimes, I do miss that quiet, introspective part of myself I once was.