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Vol. XX No. 1 September 2004 |
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 Facing Our FearsFear is a universal emotion. It grabs each of us in different phases of our lives, and puts up what may seem like insurmountable hurdles for us to either cower beneath or surmount. It is a master of disguise. Sometimes we don't even realize that it is fear that is keeping us from moving forward, or that it is the reason we are feeling angry, over-sensitive, unable to concentrate, discouraged, lonely, isolated, paralyzed, or any of the other emotions fear generates. It is also something that we often don't share with others because we might seem weak, or we think it might be held against us, or we are afraid of looking foolish for being fearful. It can be hard to ask for help and support in dealing with fear. As a student, you may be feeling fearful about any number of things: proving yourself as an artist in a competitive conservatory; meeting and working with new people; being in this big city; being away from your family; leaving a meaningful relationship to pursue your dreams; being in a new country; learning a new language and the customs of this culture; failure; loneliness; what the future holds. As our new and returning students settle into the rhythm of this school year, we thought it would be helpful to consider the thoughts of others on the complicated subject of fear. Each one of these quotes will make you think and reflect on your own life, and one or two may help you look at your fears a little differently—and may just validate the fact that you are facing something that makes you fearful. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.—E.E. CummingsObstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. —Henry FordTo fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another. —Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I LovedAnything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile … initially scared me to death. —Betty BenderFear is static that prevents me from hearing myself. —Samuel ButlerI have accepted fear as a part of life—specifically the fear of change. … I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back. —Erica JongI am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. —Pablo PicassoFear is the highest fence. —Dudley NicholsEach of us has times when we are afraid of something. Fear has a legitimate function because it alerts us to something that could possibly be harmful to us. Sometimes, however, fear gets in our way and interferes with our daily living. This is often frustrating because we think of our fear as unrealistic, but are still hampered by it.If you would like to talk anything over with someone who is there to listen and help, we hope you will consider making an appointment with one of the counselors at the Counseling Service. You can meet once, a few times, or you can arrange to see a counselor throughout the year. Our services are free and confidential, and we are here to help every student, no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are studying. You can reach us at (212) 769-3918, where you can leave a confidential message, or come in during one of our walk-in hours, which you will find posted in various places, including the 11th floor of the residence hall in the Rose Building, and the Student Affairs Office on the second floor of the Juilliard building.The Counseling Service is located on the 22nd floor of the Rose Building, and we have daytime, evening, and Saturday hours. We extend a warm welcome to all students coming to Juilliard for the first time, as well as to our returning students. Shrink Rap is the monthly advice column of the Juilliard Counseling Service. We welcome students' questions that we can print and answer here. Please submit any anonymous questions for consideration by depositing them in the Health Services mailbox, located in the Student Affairs Office. Address correspondence to Shrink Rap.
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