Overcommitment issue! Help?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

<p>I was given an invite to the NFL (national forensics league) regionals, but it turns out to be the same time as my school musical. The thing is, the musical is usually at 7PM (in which case I'd be able to make both the competition and the musical) but this year it happens to be at 4PM. Oddly, they actually put the time at 7PM on the school calendar, even though the director claims it's at 4PM.</p>

<p>So, what should I do?! Should I talk to the musical director? Or should I turn down the invite? I'm just really depressed since it's a really big opportunity that I wouldn't get to do every year, whereas the musical is something I can do (and have done) every year.</p>

<p>Any advice on overcommitment?</p>

2

<p>I believe you know the answer to your question. You have a previous commitment…end of story. Your integrity is worth preserving.</p>

<p>You will face many of these situations in your life. People will judge you on the decisions you make. It is obvious to me that you know what the right decision is. By trying to rationalize making the wrong choice, you are showing that you do indeed know the correct course of action. Follow it. Have fun in the school musical. Break a leg!</p>

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<p>Well, it is a previous commitment, but the OP really seems to value going to the NFL, as it’s a rarer opportunity. Also, I don’t think the OP is trying to rationalize the wrong choice, but to consider both sides of the situations. On the side of doing the musical, the fact that it is a previous commitment is kind of assumed.</p>

<p>Can you talk to the director and confirm the exact time of the musical? Because if it’s at 7PM… then you can do both! If it’s not, one thing to consider is how long you’ve had to work on the musical and how easily replaceable your part is. If you have a major role and/or have been working on it for a while, I might not drop the musical. But if not, maybe consider talking to your director about going to the NFL. Good luck with your decision… I’m sure you’ll make the right one! :]</p>

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<p>Does regionals=districts? Like, it’s the qualifiers for nationals? If it is, and you have a good shot at qualifying to nats given your previous records and how competitive your state is, you’d be turning down two opportunities at once. If it’s just a tournament unto itself, no biggie–do the play.</p>

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<p>things to consider

  1. which do you love more ?
  2. Which do you have a better shot at doing well in - like would you qual to NFL?
  3. who would you be letting down if you declined
  4. Is this an everyday chance or a once in a lifetime oppurtunity?
  5. are you a senior?</p>

<p>Personally, if you have a shot at qualling to nationals—go to nat quals. there will always be plays but only one nat. quals.</p>

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<p>How essential is your role in the musical?</p>

<p>If you’re lead, then GO.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the well thought-out replies, everyone.</p>

<p>The problem I have is that I’m only a supporting character (I do have lines, and singing solos) in the musical, but I’ve gotten several golds at local tournaments and I think I have a great shot of doing well in regionals (if I do say so myself…). And, yes, they’re the qualifiers for nationals. </p>

<p>I’m just disappointed that one is far more important than the other - not to trivialize the musical, but the regional is a much rarer opportunity (I was actually invited to be part of a team of 4 only). Also, I’m in my junior year, where the competition could potentially help for college apps later on. It wouldn’t be the same in my senior year.</p>