What Makes Me Special?
Identity & Self-Worth
Episode 6: What Makes Me Special?
Identity & Self-Worth • Age 11
1
Daughter
Dad, I don't think I'm good at anything.
Dad
What? Where's this coming from?
Daughter
Emma's amazing at soccer. Jake's the smartest kid in class. Sarah can sing like... really sing. And I'm just... me.
Scene: Daughter's bedroom, evening. She's holding a participation trophy.
2
Dad
You know, when I was your age, our school had a talent show.
Daughter
Did you win?
Dad
Oh no. I didn't even make it past the audition.
Daughter
What was your talent?
Dad
I could wiggle my ears.
Scene: Flashback: School auditorium, young Dad demonstrating his 'talent'.
3
Dad
I stood there, wiggling away. The judges just stared at me.
Daughter
*giggling* That's your special talent?
Dad
I thought so! I practiced for WEEKS. I could do both ears independently!
Daughter
What did the judges say?
Dad
'Thank you, next please.'
Scene: The judges look bored. One is checking her watch.
4
Dad
I was devastated. Grandpa found me crying in the kitchen.
Grandpa
Tough day, kiddo?
Young Dad
I'm not special at anything, Grandpa.
Grandpa
You know what makes someone special?
Young Dad
Being good at stuff?
Scene: Grandpa sits down next to young Dad, puts arm around him.
5
Grandpa
Nope. It's how you make people feel.
Young Dad
That's it?
Grandpa
You remember Mrs. Chen from down the street?
Young Dad
The lady who always waves?
Grandpa
She told me you're the only kid who waves back. Every single day. You know what she said? 'That boy makes me feel seen.'
Scene: Grandpa smiling warmly at young Dad.
6
Daughter
So your special talent is... waving?
Dad
Hey! I also held doors open!
Daughter
*laughing* Dad, you're ridiculous.
Dad
Maybe. But here's what I learned...
Scene: Back to present, daughter is smiling now.
7
Dad
My friend Lisa? She's a doctor now. Saves lives.
Daughter
Wow, that's amazing!
Dad
You know what she told me last year? She almost quit medical school.
Daughter
Why?
Dad
She said it was too hard. But then she remembered something I told her in high school.
Scene: Dad scrolling through old photos on his phone.
8
Dad
She was failing chemistry. I wasn't even good at it, but I stayed after school to study with her.
Daughter
What did you tell her?
Dad
I said, 'You're going to be an amazing doctor because you actually care about people, not just grades.'
Daughter
And she remembered that?
Dad
She said it's the reason she didn't give up.
Scene: Flashback: Teenage Dad and Lisa surrounded by chemistry books.
9
Dad
You want to know what makes you special?
Daughter
What?
Dad
Last week, you spent your allowance on flowers for Mrs. Rodriguez because her cat died.
Daughter
She was really sad...
Dad
You didn't have to do that. But you did. Because that's who you are.
Scene: Dad holding daughter's hand.
He squeezes her hand, trying to memorize how it feels in his.
10
Daughter
So I don't have to be the best at something?
Dad
Being the best at something is easy to measure. Being kind, thoughtful, genuine? That's rare.
Daughter
But Emma's good at soccer AND nice.
Dad
And you're happy for her, right? That's what makes YOU special.
Scene: Daughter starting to smile.
11
Daughter
Thanks, Dad.
Dad
You know what your real superpower is?
Daughter
What?
Dad
You make people feel like they matter. Including me.
Daughter
Even when I'm annoying?
Dad
Especially then.
Scene: They hug.
He holds her a little longer than usual, breathing in this moment.
12
Daughter
Dad?
Dad
Yeah?
Daughter
Can you still wiggle your ears?
Dad
*wiggling ears* Never lost it, kiddo.
Daughter
*laughing* That's definitely not your special talent.
Dad
No. My special talent is being your dad.
Scene: Daughter laughs, Dad smiles. The room feels warm and safe.
If only this moment could last forever.