Recently an Odyssey article was shared to my timeline that listed 50 things the author would rather be than pretty.

I was so inspired because, as the author mentioned, society puts a bothersome amount of emphasis on the female body. “Is she hot?” is too often a deal breaker.

As young women we can’t compete against each other to see which make-up routine, outfit, or figure catches a boy's eye. As a society of women, we must collaborate to send the message that it shouldn’t matter what we wear or how our make-up looks. What lies within us is far more important. After reading that article I would encourage everyone to think of 10 things they care more about than being called attractive.

Here are mine. I hope to be known as...

1. Loyal

I hope my friends know that if they are ever in trouble, I will be there for them without hesitation. I hope my significant others understand that I will be loyal in relationships no matter what.

2. Kind

Kindness is checking in with someone after they start a new job. It's offering a hug and listening ear when you really are in need of that yourself. I hope that I am someone who routinely goes out of their way to show kindness.

3. Passionate

Whether it’s dancing, writing, traveling... or how committed I am to my relationships -- I hope that I carry out everything I do with devotion and passion.

4. Funny

Humor is so important, whether it be at a trying time or a euphoric occasion. I hope that I'm someone who can crack a joke to make the people around me happier. And that I forever have the ability to laugh at myself.

5. Quirky

I hope that I never really fit the “norm.” I love wearing choker necklaces, I only wear sports bras (TMI?), and I have never worn a pair of matching socks in my life. Those details for sure don’t matter to anyone reading this. But the point is that I hope to forever embrace the weird things about me, and never disguise them.

6. A Leader

I hope that people see me as a leader whether it be in my sorority, in school, or in dance. I hope to lead in a way that encourages a fun, hardworking, productive environment.

7. Polite

No matter how bad of a day I’m having, I hope that my manners never falter. Sure, its not the end of the world to forget to thank someone, but it makes for a kinder community.

8. Talented

I'd take being truly talented at something over having the hottest outfit in the room. I hope that I’m driven enough to dance well, write intelligently, and do something that I'm really proud of -- always.

9. Communicative

I hope to tell people how I’m feeling in the kindest, most honest way possible. I hope my loved ones know that they can talk to me about everything, and that I'm always open to a conversation even if it’s not an easy one.

10. Genuine

This word is my greatest compliment. I hope that if I’m unsure of myself -- I'm honest about my struggle. That when I’m happy -- I am truly overjoyed and thank whoever made it possible. I hope my feelings and actions are inseparably linked, and that I’m always real with the world around me.

As you can see, these are all just hopes of how I wish to be perceived. I am (quite literally) sure that I don’t embody each of these traits all the time. But if I could, I would. Yes, being called pretty makes me blush and brightens my day. But I am more than that, and so are you! So wear sweatpants and a messy bun to class. Sleep an extra 20 minutes, and waltz make-up-less all over campus. Because it's how you treat people that really matters. Don’t compare yourself to the looks of the women around you (trust me, I know it’s hard). With such an emphasis on looking good it’s easy to forget to check how our character “is looking”.

Find the people who see the 10 traits in you that you wish to show the world. Find the people who push you to be the best soul you can be. Find a significant other who appreciates your love of sweatpants and sense of humor. Because you are so much more than your appearance.