Highschool, Where the Clones Go
I once read a quote that stated this, “Being normal is actually extraordinary. It’s all about being unusually likable.” This, I believe represents that it is more extraordinary to be myself than it is to try and fake something I’m not, even if for a second I think it may gain me an ounce more of recognition. I appreciate a sincere person for their likeability a thousand times more than someone who I don’t believe is genuine, and I can always spot a fraud. I believe we are all the best at being ourselves, most of us just fear taking that first plunge to independence, afraid we will be criticized for what we consist of. In all reality, the people who criticize you, most likely haven’t found themselves yet either.
Through my experiences I have learned that everyone has standards, but only I have the capability to fulfill my own, and only my own. I am the only one with the power to reach my greatest potential and utilize it to the fullest. I realized that striving to be like someone else only ends in selling myself short. It takes away my chances to establish my own personal goals. When I take the opportunity to create my own ways of life I can be proud of what I’ve done and take full credit and responsibility for the things I have created. This gives me a more satisfying and whole sense of myself.
Highschool was when I first started to notice the damage that not only I personally was doing to myself by following others, but also a large majority of my peers as well. We were all participating in a vicious cycle. Looking around I could spot countless cliques who walked, talked, and dressed alike, which may even be an understatement considering they channeled clones more closely than actual individuals. These friendships appeared to be fabricated and seemingly lacked any sort of substance to them. They were all following the same set of standards and were united by nothing but those studded Hollister jeans and Ugg, short for ugly, boots. It even made me feel a little empty and lost, I always questioned how being a part of these cult like posies made them feel inside. After observing this for a few years, I truly began to believe there is nothing more valuable than to be yourself.
I believe in listening to nothing but what my own heart has to say and doing nothing other than what makes me feel comfortable. I know I am perfectly unbalanced and that’s just the way I prefer to be, and I will never settle for anything less than what makes me smile.