As we navigate our way through high school, our self-image can get distorted. We lose ourselves in the mess of grades and social pressure to fit in. Everyone’s so obsessed with being like everyone else; who are we anymore?
You’ve probably seen me. I’m the girl with buzzed hair that changes colors monthly, usually wearing tutus and platform shoes. I’ve realized that authenticity is the best vibe to radiate. The idea of self-love has really resonated with me and will hopefully help you.
From gender roles to college admission, we never see ourselves in the light that we really should. We try to modify our bodies and personalities to fit the mold of society or to match that supermodel in a magazine, to adapt to the requirements of college or to earn the approval of the “popular” people. But as I try to handle the everyday struggles of high school, which are hard enough on their own, I have found that being yourself is the best person to be. Your own individual light is the absolute best light to shine in people’s eyes. Now, I’m not preaching to become something you aren’t comfortable with and claim it as your new exoskeleton, but I am recommending that you should stop basing your own personal adventures upon the need for validation from others. Trust me, people will love you when your true self comes out of its cocoon.
“I think that it’s incredibly important to be yourself. We’re given the gift of individuality, which is something that should definitely be treasured. You cannot live a happy, fulfilled life when the only thing on your mind is conforming to others’ standards,” said junior Claire Gershenson.
There are many different ways to express yourself. Whether it be clothing, hair, art, humor, hobbies, sports,or friendships, we can all shine in our own way.
“I express my true self by sharing my passions for dance and volunteering with others and by challenging myself to improve,” said sophomore Nova Wassmann.
I believe that as a society (and even more so in the bubble of Laguna Beach) we are so obsessed with the way we look. In our minds, we have an image of what the ‘perfect’ woman should look like. In actuality, very few people look like that. It’s a shame that people feel the need to morph themselves into that image.
According to DoSomething.org, 7 in 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.
It’s disgusting that young girls feel this way about themselves. Everyone is so beautiful, and people need to stop pointing out everyone else’s imperfections; in reality, they are not imperfections, but more like watermarks that make everyone different. So if going with the grain isn’t your thing, I urge you to tap into your true self, whether that means quitting shaving your legs or trying a more utilitarian haircut. Whether you’re 6’4” or 4’8”, everyone is so amazingly different in his or her own personal way. Everyone should be honored to have eccentricities that highlight their individuality.