Hello World. I am a Gleek.

Hello. My name is John Schmidt. (Hello John) I am a Gleek.
I wait for Thursday, when I can watch the show on my computer at home, and then I do. I sing along with the songs. I identify with all the male characters, archetypes as they are. I recognize myself in all the situations, and am astounded by the clear emotional response that floods me from this obvious melodrama.

I am a Gleek. I sang in High School, but didn't get into the Madrigals (looks and money, I was a better singer than at least half of the bass section.) I worked with the blind kids in the choir. I was a drama and choir geek in school.

I am a Gleek. I go into schools now, and recognize the intensity of the experience of new things for the students, their first big crush that might be consummated, competition on the edge of adulthood, emotions so new and strong they burst out or warp you. I have met every archetype in GLEE while I was teaching, and seen that they, too, are complicated human beings full of thought and emotion and warmth and pettyness and yes, I have had a student advise me on my skincare regimen.

I am a Gleek.