Looking for Love

The year is 1978. Julie is an eighth-grade wallflower, the shiest girl at her school. She is taller than all the other students, including the boys, so she slouches in an attempt to conceal her height, for all the good that does. As the second child in a family of seven, all living on a teacher’s income, she can’t wear the latest fashions, and she certainly doesn’t fit in with the popular crowd. Her classmates rarely give her a second look, other than an occasional sneer . Her home life is fine, but her social life is nonexistent. Worst of all, she’s too shy to attract a boyfriend.

Julie really likes music. She is in band and choir. That's where she met her best friend, Sue. They both play the flute. [No “One day at band camp” references, please!]

Even though Julie is a late bloomer, she has dreams for her life. She has dreams of being out-going instead of shy, dreams of being brave instead of unconfident.

These Dreams, Heart

Often, Julie dreams about boys. She keeps hoping that some cute boy will take a chance on her.

Take a Chance, Abba

Julie keeps being overlooked, so she immerses herself in her music. She continues to sing and play the flute, listening to music wherever she goes.

Listen to the Music, The Doobie Brothers

Julie becomes a fine musician, but there is still a gaping hole in her life. Her social life is still barren. She still hopes that she can find a boy who will like her for who she is.

Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel

Against her character, Julie decides to attend a school dance. She comes alone, stands near the punch bowl, and smiles at everyone who comes to get a drink. She keeps hoping for the right magical person to fall for her.

Magic Man, Heart

But as usual, no one gives her a second look. She goes home in tears. Julie is heartbroken, and her heart is as fragile as glass.

Heart of Glass, Blondie

It is a sad period in Julie’s life. No one knows what it's like to see the world through her lonely, blue eyes.

Behind Blue Eyes, The Who

Julie can’t understand what she is doing wrong. She tries to be friendly to people. She tries her best to interact. She aches to catch someone's attention, and especially for love.

Somebody to Love, Queen

Yet, no one asks her out. She feels as if no one sees her worth. No one even calls her.

Call Me, Blondie

Julie joins the swim team and finds some new girlfriends. At least she has more people to talk with. As she goes to high school, Julie remains shy, but she finally goes through the physical changes which most of her classmates experienced back in middle school.

Changes, David Bowie

Still, no boys gives Julie a second glance. She has so much love to offer, and it hurts her that none look her way. Before long, Julie is heading to college. She still has dreams of meeting just the right man.

Sweet Dreams, Eurythmics

It takes time for Julie to find someone interested in her. One night, she finds a quiet alcove in Old Main in which to study. A handsome older man is sitting there. After reading his paper for a couple of minutes, he asks, “What’s a pretty girl like you doing studying on a Friday night?” She can’t believe he’s talking to her. After discussing his job, her major, and other topics, they decide to meet again. Julie finally had a chance to jump into a relationship.

Jump, Van Halen

Turns out, her first love isn’t interested in a long-term relationship, but they have a good time together, and Julie learns a lot. She’s grateful for the attention. She needs more experience, so she plays the field for a while, always searching for love.

A Little More Love, Olivia Newton John

Julie puts time and effort into her music major, acing her freshman year. Soon, she becomes a strong, independent woman who has learned to love herself and be a bit more outgoing. She feels like she can conquer the world. Look out, everyone, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, Bachman Turner Overdrive

Julie finally finds a kind man to love, who returns her love. She realizes that, despite the angst of her teenage years, these were the best of times.

The Best of Times, Styx

Although this reads like fiction, this is about me, and these are some of my favorite songs from that time in my life. After teaching music for 34 years, these songs still have a special place in my heart.