Don’t Stop Believin’ in the Power of Learning
I want to discuss two of my favorite topics: karaoke and education. You’re probably wondering—what the heck does karaoke have to do with education? Just like an 80s ballad, education needs to be emotional and personal.
When it comes to education, especially for adults, one of the best ways to make it stick is to make it fun. It needs to be emotional, something people feel. It should be tied to someone personally—and what can be more personal than music?
For me, there’s just something about an 80’s ballad. Whether you’re telling folks "Don’t Stop Believin’" or saying "You Belong to the Night", 80’s songs call for a build-up and release of emotion. They tug on memories, people, and moments. Shoutout to everyone who throws their head back while singing in the car brings their fist up to their chest and then releases it as they belt out the lyrics. I can’t be the only one.
Enter karaoke.
Here’s the thing about karaoke: it often gets a bad rap, but I believe that karaoke is an underappreciated tool for addressing social anxiety and enhancing education.
What do you have to do during karaoke?
Decide you’re going to do it: you’re going to sing.
Choose a song that you know.
Face your fears and go on stage in front of either friends or strangers.
Choose to sing with abandon—or hold back.
Accomplish something many consider their greatest fear.
To me, karaoke is an act of bravery, just like education. Learning is one of the hardest things to do as an adult because we face many decisions. What technology will be relevant in a few years? Will it help my career? How much does it cost?
Learning can be incredibly convoluted but highly personal because it’s your career. It’s an act of bravery to say, "I do not know something, but I’d like to." I want to put myself out there in a space where time may be limited, or you’re unsure of the actual outcome. If there is an impact like you want it to, you have to answer or ask questions—IN FRONT OF STRANGERS. It’s not always about "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".
To me, karaoke is about practicing for life’s moments that happen all the time, not just "Livin' on a Prayer." Most people have some form of social anxiety or fear of public speaking—and in today’s world, we have to exercise both if we want to get ahead in our lives or at least achieve some sense of normality. I believe karaoke is a way for people to safely practice those life skills and prepare for modern-day education, where you must take the initiative.
So often in life, we’re afraid of being made fools or feeling foolish in front of others. But it’s not silly. It’s accepting that sometimes we go in front of people, and we know who we are no matter what. We embrace absurdity and still choose to put that foot out and say—I will do this no matter what.
Oh, and my karaoke rules? It would be best if you weren’t a good singer—I want you to be a person who finds JOY in singing. I want you to think of that song that tugs on that memory and emotion and embrace it—let your heart fly free for one single song. For me, it’s always an 80s ballad.
It’s time we start saying "I Am Who I Am"—regardless of who’s watching. Or, in this case—listening, because here’s the thing, you "Can’t Turn Back Time," so "Hit Me with Your Best Shot."
