COMEDY AND CREATIVITY BY WILL MURRAY

Once in the sixth grade, I was being a joke-telling disruption in class and my teacher demanded I step outside. As I was walking out the door my teacher quipped, “While you’re out there, why don’t you go take some laps in the pool.” I immediately ran to the nearest water fountain, drenched myself with water, and ran back into class saying, “Man, that’s exactly what I needed.”

             I am fascinated with what makes people laugh and have been ever since I was toying with sixth grade geography classes. Now, in my old and decrepit state, I would like to reflect on what comedy and creativity has meant to my long and wonderous life.

 Laughter isn’t about the shortest amount of words to the funniest punchline, it’s about changing people’s routines, lightening tension, or creating a lively and uplifting atmosphere. I have been able to use comedy as a vessel for my creativity when I am in class or working on group projects to build meaningful connections with the people around me. Whether it be by telling jokes or by carrying a light-hearted persona, I have noticed that a relaxed environment leads to free-flowing and creative ideas. People don’t feel discouraged to share their thoughts or opinions, and these are just a few of the ways I have seen comedy and creativity work together in my experience. Now if you don’t mind, I have to get back to the pool.