TRU NEWS -- The Popular One. / by Keela Trennepohl

Frustrated I closed the app on my phone and had one of those of course it would go that well for them moments (insert eyeroll). Meanwhile, I am over here doing what I am supposed to do. Always get done what is asked of me, keep to myself and get my work done without complaining. I work on my mindset trying to get better by reading books, getting coaching, and listening to podcasts. I workout, try to eat healthy. I go to church most Sundays and try to be a good wife, mom, friend, daughter, and sister. If I tell you I’m going to do something, you know it gets done. I am pretty organized and usually only a little late (like 5-10 minutes tops). I’ll do the job no one else will because I know all the small things make a big difference. Most people like me, but I always just miss getting voted in. Like prom junior year of high school, I made prom court but only barely and after a recount. Or not getting to run for National Junior Angus board because someone else ran against me last minute. I seem to always be honorable mention (NJAS Showmanship) or on the list but never the one selected. I have been the one to beat so many times but it seems like I end up second more or worse. I have interviewed for jobs where I thought I nailed the interview or application and didn’t get offer. I have been so ready to give a presentation only for it to go so, so. Even now as an educator, I doubt I will ever be voted favorite teacher or be remembered for my captivating lectures or catchy sayings.

I guess my point is that we are all good at different things and most of the times our luck isn’t as bad as is it seems. I have been a lot of things but the most popular one in the room isn’t one of them. It’s taken me 34 years to realize this and I am learning to be ok with it because have been:

  • Hardest working one

  •  Determined one

  •  Smartest one

  •  Reliable one

  •  Encouraging one

  •  Helpful one

  •  Kind one

  •  Intelligent one

  •  Likable one

  • Friendly one

  • Challenging one

  •  Bossy one

  •  Mean one

  •  Sarcastic one

  •  Loving one

  • Competitive one

  • Fun one

This is life and we all feel this way sometimes……. Don’t be so hard on yourself and stay true to you! Chances are you have accomplished a lot more than you think, we just tend to hold onto to those things that don’t go our way (obviously some of mine date back 17 years). Take a minute to recognize which ONEs you actually are? 

All the best, 

Keela