By Ethan Walshe
Editor-in-Chief 

Mr. WA was this past Friday and eleven young men from the class of 2014 elected to strut their stuff on stage in front of a crowd of fans, peers, and faculty members.

I was one of them.

I had never even attended the annual male pageant for Westford Academy seniors, judging for which was based on three categories: formal wear, talent, and question and answer. I was not quite sure what to expect but I did know one thing going in: I was absolutely not to take myself too seriously.

This became very obvious to anyone who was there. I started the night performing a very awkward looking salsa before going on to Zoolander walk and read from an acclaimed children’s book. All of this was capped off by me losing myself in the music and dancing to ‘N Sync’s “Bye Bye Bye” in front off around 300 people.

And I did not care.

For me, Mr. WA was not about winning or even placing – though I did eventually come in third, behind two other very deserving contestants – it was about having fun. And I had an amazing time. I got to wear a tux, which I always find fun for some reason, create some laughs and joke around with some of my best friends who were also competing.

All in all, it was a bizarrely enjoyable occasion. There’s something to be said for throwing inhibition to the wind and doing what makes you happy in front of a large crowd. For me I guess that was dancing like a fool and making people laugh.

There are plenty of people out there who would let their inhibitions take over and wouldn’t be willing to put themselves out there. This is no way to live. This can only hold you back. There are too many things out there in the world that need to be experienced and won’t be if you think you’re too important or start caring about what others will think of you.

Allow yourself to have a sense of humor. Throw caution to the wind, recognize absurdity, and always be able to laugh at yourself. Take some time to try something new without worrying about the repercussions.

I thought Mr. WA was a great way to express myself. To all the junior boys out there, I would encourage you to do Mr. WA next year if you think you’re up to it. Everyone involved is very nice and you end up having a great time.

Just remember not to take yourself too seriously.