Against the Odds: Why My Heart Melts for Underdog Heroes

In elementary school, for the only time in my entire life, I had two boys fighting over me. Although I knew I shouldn't, I loved every second of it. I loved watching them show off and try to outdo each other with tricks and maneuvers on the jungle gym, all meant to impress me. I loved the love notes and gifts at recess, and all the compliments made me feel special.

Shane Hanes: The Confident Rebel

The two boys were extremely different from each other. Shane Hanes, with his longish blond hair and bangs in his eyes, was confident, smooth, and cocky. He was a bad boy, always getting into trouble with the teachers and frequently sent to the principal's office. It was clear he was the kind of guy who would end up on a dangerous path, involved with drugs, in jail, and certainly a cheater. He had no boundaries, bullied other kids, led a crew of other bad boys, and was girl crazy. He thrilled me and scared me all at once, but I felt drawn to him even though I knew he was bad news and wouldn’t pass my dad’s checklist.

Sean Beltrami: The Shy Kind-hearted Student

On the other hand, there was Sean Beltrami, a dark, shorter boy with an ethnic appearance. He was shy, quiet, and a good student. He became awkward when he talked to me, often looking down at his feet while flashing a shy smile. He had dark curly hair, and dark skin, and loved to play baseball. He didn't have a lot of friends, but everyone liked him. He was kind and helpful to the teachers, and he was the first one to express his interest in me, talking to me at recess. I think Shane only started to like me because he saw that Sean was taking an interest and enjoyed the competition.

The Pressure to Choose

Being the center of these boys' attention for a couple of weeks boosted my popularity with the other girls. Although I knew I wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend that young, I felt the pressure to choose between them. Both boys kept asking me who I had decided on.

Every day, all the girls in my class would ask which one I wanted to go steady with. I put off the decision for as long as I could because I loved the attention and was nervous about what would come next if I chose one of them. I didn't really want a boyfriend, but I couldn't bring myself to tell them that neither of them was my choice.

The pressure intensified during recess one day. I was playing kickball with some kids from class, including both Sean and Shane, who were on the opposing team. Sean was playing in the outfield between first and second base, and Shane was the kickball pitcher. It was my turn at the plate to kick the ball. I wanted to make a powerful kick and score some points for our team.

As Shane rolled the ball on the ground really fast toward me, he looked at me and smirked. My heart began to beat rapidly. I was worried I would mess up, and the ball would roll off my foot and go out of bounds behind me. I was worried that both boys would realize I was just a dork and they would stop fighting over me.

A Surprising Twist of Events

With determination, I swung my leg back and blasted a huge kick. But my foot landed too far beneath the ball, causing it to soar high into the air. Everyone started yelling for Sean to catch it. Shane watched as his masterful fast-rolling ball flew high into the air, destined for a sure catch and “ball out” for his team. The second and third bases were loaded, but none of the kids moved.

I ran half-heartedly to first base, fully expecting Sean to catch the ball and get me out. As I ran, I could see Sean holding his hands out, perfectly positioning himself for the catch. I started feeling embarrassed and preemptively braced myself for the onslaught of comments, shame, and humiliation that would follow.

I was about three steps away from first base when I saw the inevitable catch happen. But to my surprise, Sean allowed the big red ball to slip through his arms, letting it bounce on the ground while looking right at me with his dark eyes. After the bounce, he slowly retrieved the ball and threw it to first base after I touched the base with my foot, declaring me safe!

I knew he had done it on purpose, and so did all the other kids. I knew it would be him to face the mob instead of me. Leading the charge was Shane Hanes running toward Sean violently pushing him to the ground. They rolled around in the dirt, fists flying. All the kids were yelling and calling Sean names like "Doofus" and "Wooped."

Finally, Sean managed to get to his feet, touching his bleeding lip with his finger, and looking at the evidence. He quickly started running away to the other end of the playground.

I stood astonished by Shane’s actions. I was so angry. I felt so cherished and cared for by Sean. He had my heart. Shane was a dirtbag and nasty. I wanted nothing to do with him. That day, I made my choice. Sean wasn't popular or cool, and he was definitely the underdog in the Sean vs. Shane challenge, but he was kind and wanted to protect me from embarrassment.

My Heart Melts for The Underdog

It's the stories of Cinderellas and the Frodos that grip my soul. The outcasts, lowly and disadvantaged who face their oppressors and win with their big hearts, courage, and grit. I love witnessing the unlucky persevere until they get what they want. I am captivated by the fool who is willing to take risks in the name of faith and purpose and see him triumphantly succeed in the end.

That's why I love artists so much. They are the Cinderellas of the world who have been mistreated, cheated, and overlooked. They have been denied their place at the royal ball and the opportunity to marry the prince.

As artists, we have persevered and we have served. Galleries may have overlooked us, and museums may have deemed us unworthy, but this is our moment to step into our gowns, put on our glass slippers, and take our place at the dance. We will become princesses and future queens, ruling culture with dignity, grace, and love.

As an artist, do you relate to the struggles and challenges faced by underdogs in the artistic world? How have you persevered and pursued your passion despite setbacks?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!