Short Emotional Vignettes

Scene 1: Pre-Audition Butterflies (Anxiety)

Lila stands beside the stage curtain at her school auditorium. She can feel her heart pounding so hard it might break free from her chest. Earlier today, she practiced her monologue three times in front of the mirror, but now the bright lights and expectant faces in the audience make her palms sweat. Every breath comes out shallow, and her knees tremble under her dress pants.

Scene 2: The Perfect Surprise (Joy)

It’s Friday afternoon, and Malik steps into the cafeteria with his usual tray of chicken nuggets. Instead, he finds a colorful banner above his usual table that reads “Congrats, MVP!” His teammates cheer as he approaches, and the lunch monitor hands him a small trophy. His face lights up brighter than the fluorescents overhead — this moment feels like sunshine warming him from the inside out.

Scene 3: The Math Meltdown (Frustration)

Jasmine stares at the quadratic equation on her desk, pencil hovering in midair. She’s rewritten the problem six times and still can’t figure out the missing variable. With each failed attempt, she presses harder on the eraser, ripping tiny bits of her worksheet. Her chest tightens and her jaw aches from clenching, but she refuses to give up, determined that tomorrow she’ll conquer this puzzle.

Scene 4: Alone in a Crowd (Loneliness)

The gym buzzes with a weekend volleyball tournament, and Ella drifts from group to group looking for a familiar face. People laugh and call out to friends she doesn’t know, while she holds her phone like a lifeline. Every time she tries to join a conversation, it dissolves before her words can take root. Her stomach twists into knots, and she steps back into a quiet corner, wishing someone would notice her too.

Scene-by-Scene Reflection Worksheet

Before you begin, read the Short Emotional Vignettes. Then answer the questions below for each scene.

Scene 1: Pre-Audition Butterflies (Anxiety)

1. What emotion is Lila experiencing?

1. What is causing Lila’s emotion?

1. Have you ever felt this way? Describe how you felt and why.

1. What is one coping strategy Lila (or you) could use right now?

Scene 2: The Perfect Surprise (Joy)

1. What emotion is Malik experiencing?

1. What event or reason caused this emotion?

1. Think of a time when you felt similarly joyful. Describe it briefly.

1. What is one healthy way to savor or share happy moments with friends?

Scene 3: The Math Meltdown (Frustration)

1. What emotion is Jasmine experiencing?

1. What is triggering her frustration?

1. Can you recall a time when you felt frustrated? What helped you calm down?

1. List one strategy Jasmine could try to stay motivated and reduce stress.

Scene 4: Alone in a Crowd (Loneliness)

1. What emotion is Ella experiencing?

1. Why does Ella feel this way at the tournament?

1. Describe a moment when you felt lonely or left out. How did you cope?

1. Suggest one action Ella (or you) could take to connect with others.

Character Empathy Journal

In this journal, you will step into the shoes of one of the characters from the Short Emotional Vignettes. Write in first person as if you are that character, exploring thoughts, feelings, and coping ideas.

1. Choose Your Character

• Lila (Scene 1: Anxiety)
• Malik (Scene 2: Joy)
• Jasmine (Scene 3: Frustration)
• Ella (Scene 4: Loneliness)

Write the name of your chosen character here:

2. Describe How You Feel Right Now

Write a paragraph (3–5 sentences) in first person explaining what emotions you’re experiencing. Use vivid details about your body, thoughts, and surroundings.

3. Explain Why You Feel This Way

In a medium-length response, describe the events or thoughts that led to your current mood. Include any fears, hopes, or memories that come to mind.

4. Identify One Coping Strategy

Suggest one healthy coping strategy you (the character) could use right now. Explain how it would help you feel better or more in control.

5. A Message to Yourself

Write a note of encouragement or advice from yourself (the character) to yourself. Imagine what you’d need to hear in this moment.

Vignettes Analysis Guide

Scene 1: Pre-Audition Butterflies (Anxiety)

1. What emotion is Lila experiencing?
   • Ideal Answer: Anxiety
   • Why: Clues include heart pounding, shallow breaths, trembling knees, sweaty palms. These are physical signs of nervousness.
2. What is causing Lila’s emotion?
   • Ideal Answer: Fear of performing in front of an audience during her audition.
   • Why: The bright lights, expectant faces, and high stakes trigger her anxiety.
3. Have you ever felt this way? Describe how you felt and why.
   • Sample Response: “I felt this before my class presentation; my voice shook, and I kept imagining everyone judging me.”
   • Why: Shows personal connection and describes physical and mental experience of anxiety.
4. What is one coping strategy Lila (or you) could use right now?
   • Ideal Responses:
     • Deep breathing (inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts)
     • Positive self-talk ("I’ve prepared well")
     • Grounding (press feet into floor, notice 5 things you see)
   • Why: These techniques reduce physical tension and refocus the mind.

Scene 2: The Perfect Surprise (Joy)

1. What emotion is Malik experiencing?
   • Ideal Answer: Joy (or happiness, excitement)
   • Why: Phrases like “face lights up” and “sunshine warming him” signal positive emotion.
2. What event or reason caused this emotion?
   • Ideal Answer: His teammates surprised him with a “Congrats, MVP!” banner and a trophy.
   • Why: Unexpected recognition leads to feelings of pride and delight.
3. Think of a time when you felt similarly joyful. Describe it briefly.
   • Sample Response: “I felt that way when I won the spelling bee; my classmates cheered, and I was so proud.”
   • Why: Any genuine happy moment works, highlighting situational triggers and feelings.
4. What is one healthy way to savor or share happy moments with friends?
   • Ideal Responses:
     • Take photos or videos and share them
     • Write down details in a journal
     • Celebrate with a small party or shout-outs
     • Express gratitude to those who supported you
   • Why: Helps prolong positive emotions and strengthens social bonds.

Scene 3: The Math Meltdown (Frustration)

1. What emotion is Jasmine experiencing?
   • Ideal Answer: Frustration
   • Why: Clues include erasing aggressively, jaw clenching, chest tightness.
2. What is triggering her frustration?
   • Ideal Answer: Difficulty solving the quadratic equation despite multiple attempts.
   • Why: Repeated failure on a challenging task often leads to frustration.
3. Can you recall a time when you felt frustrated? What helped you calm down?
   • Sample Response: “I got frustrated building my model rocket; I took a 5-minute break, stretched, then tried again feeling more relaxed.”
   • Why: Shows use of a break or physical movement to reset emotions.
4. List one strategy Jasmine could try to stay motivated and reduce stress.
   • Ideal Responses:
     • Ask a teacher or peer for help
     • Break the problem into smaller steps
     • Use a timer (25 minutes focused, 5 minutes rest)
     • Practice positive self-talk ("I can learn this")
   • Why: Encourages problem-solving, reduces overwhelm, and maintains progress.

Scene 4: Alone in a Crowd (Loneliness)

1. What emotion is Ella experiencing?
   • Ideal Answer: Loneliness (or feeling left out)
   • Why: She drifts alone, feels knots in her stomach, and holds her phone like a lifeline.
2. Why does Ella feel this way at the tournament?
   • Ideal Answer: She doesn’t know anyone there and can’t break into conversations with strangers.
   • Why: Lack of familiar connections in a busy social setting often causes loneliness.
3. Describe a moment when you felt lonely or left out. How did you cope?
   • Sample Response: “I felt left out at a friend’s party; I joined the music playlist discussion, and someone asked me for song ideas, so I felt included.”
   • Why: Demonstrates proactive engagement in a new group.
4. Suggest one action Ella (or you) could take to connect with others.
   • Ideal Responses:
     • Smile and introduce yourself
     • Ask someone about the game or event
     • Invite someone to sit near you
     • Find a shared interest (e.g., favorite team)
   • Why: Simple social steps can open opportunities for conversation and friendship.