Smiles...that's me! And proud of it!

I've been given a few nicknames in life: Juls, JJ, Jew, Jucl, etc. But yesterday in my simulation lab I was given another one: Smiles.

In my lab we are given real life situations that we handle using our nursing skills, knowledge, and a whole lot of luck! They record our experiences so we can watch it "to learn from our mistakes" but we all know that they record it to torture us, or for something to watch late at night or mostly for torture. But anyways, it was my turn to be the head nurse. Briefly summarized my simulation experience involved a pregnant woman, a catheter, and respiratory distress. The entire time, not just a few places, but the ENTIRE time I was smiling. My instructor found it humorous to point it out each time. Being super "clever", he declared that my new nickname is Smiles. (Interesting to note that I was not smiling at that time.) Should I be embarrassed that I smile when I'm happy, sad, embarrassed, terrified, nervous, tired, and excited? Or should I embrace it? Just thinking about it today, I'm going to embrace it. Below are a few circumstances where smiling might change the situation.

Situation #1 - Being from the ghetto, I know that muggings are common place in the world. I, however, have not personally experienced one (most likely due to my intimidation factor). But if I were to ever be mugged, I think the outcome would be surprising. In times of fear, I tend to smile. This facial expression would catch the would-be-mugger off guard. He would start to feel a little uncomfortable, wondering why this very intimidating girl was smiling. He would stop the mugging, give me his wallet, and go on his way.

Situation #2 - This might come as a surprise to people, but I sometimes don't pay FULL attention in class. For example European History...I fell asleep every class period. Did I smile while in class (awake and asleep)? Yes. My grade? A. Point proven? Yes, but if that didn't satisfy you, I'll go into more detail. In some of my classes the professors like to call on people that don't seem to be paying attention. In their sick and twisted world, they find this hilarious. My name has never been called. "How do you avoid this?", you might ask. I smile! It looks like I am enjoying their lesson when in reality I'm tired and wanting to slit my wrists with a plastic spoon. Not only does this prevent any embarrassment to me, but it also leaves the impression that you understand and love their class! Professors are much more lenient when they think you worship everything they say!

There are many more situations to be listed but for the sake of time and the fact that I'm in class, I'll let you think of the rest. People might make fun of me and continue to call me Smiles, but the joke is on them. While they are getting mugged and embarrassed in class, I'll be there...just smiling!