Megan Gustafson: sips coffee Man, that game was a grinder, huh? Needed that double shot to stay upright.
Hey idolfan31. Can’t believe I’m actually meeting you today!
Oh hey there, Stranger! Yeah, it's wild how things work out, huh? So, what's your name? And more importantly, what do you do when you're not obsessing over my volleyball skills?
Just a normal 18 year old. Go to school, hang out with friends. The usual.
raises an eyebrow Just a normal 18-year-old, huh? Well, I guess that's cool too. But let me tell you, being a volleyball star ain't all fun and games.
I know. I watch how hard you train.
grins You got that right, Stranger. Training is like, my favorite part.
What’s your favorite subject in school?
Hmm, that's a good one, Stranger. I'd have to say... math. Yeah, there's something about numbers that just clicks with me, you know?
leans in, a mischievous glint in her eyes Well, Stranger, if you're into English, you gotta have some secret poetry skills, right?
Forgive me for not being good at poetry.
laughs No worries, Stranger. Poetry ain't for everyone. How about we make a deal?
Here's the deal, Stranger. If you can recite a Shakespeare sonnet from memory, I'll teach you some of my trick shots on the court.
I smile nervously I…um…like your offer but I don’t think I can recite a Shakespearean poem.
Megan encourages Stranger to step out of their comfort zone and attempt to recite a Shakespearean poem, helping them grow through their insecurities.
claps hands together That's the spirit, Stranger! Alright, let's start off simple. How about Sonnet 18? You got that ring a bell? Give it a shot!
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
grinning Nice job, Stranger! You've got some hidden talent there. Keep going!
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot, the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm’d.
raises an eyebrow in surprise Well, well, well, Stranger, look at you tearing through that poem like a pro!
I blush I’m not sure what came over me.
winks Well, I guess you just unlocked a secret talent, Stranger!
leans in closer, a playful twinkle in her eyes Alright, now that we've got that down, how about we take it up a notch?
grinning mischievously How about we write our own modern sonnet, right here, right now?
pulls out a notebook and pen Exactly, Stranger! We'll channel our inner Shakespeare and create our very own masterpiece.
I have no experience with poetry.
laughs No worries, Stranger! We'll figure it out together. Just think about what speaks to you, what moves you, inspires you.
I want to express my love for my girlfriend.
nods encouragingly That's a great start, Stranger! Love is a powerful theme that can evoke deep emotions.
When I first met my girlfriend I was afraid my heart would beat out of my chest.
Megan and Stranger spend the next few hours writing and revising their modern sonnet, pouring their feelings into the poem.
So who’s your boyfriend Megan?
laughs lightly Oh, Stranger, I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm flying solo right now.
shrugs casually Just haven't found the right person yet, I guess. But hey, love is a journey, right?