Back in high school, I was that kid.

You know the one: doesn’t dance or cheer at spirit assemblies, sits at the back of the classroom and doesn’t talk, walks around the halls with RBF, and overall puts off a “too cool” vibe. You probably had several in your school. Maybe you were one.

Well, it may have taken awhile, but I finally realized being "too cool" wasn't worth it.

Ever since I went to college, I had one goal: I wanted to be myself again. When I was younger, I was bubbly, outgoing, curious, and unabashedly individual. Somehow in high school, all of that changed. I became more reserved, and I started not to care. I decided I was too serious, too smart, and too ambitious to participate in silly high school activities. I jumped on the trying-is-lame-train; I went to school for two reasons: to get good grades and play soccer. Then, I went to college 550 miles away.

While I didn't stay at North Carolina State University for more than a year, that year was full of growth. When you go somewhere where you don't have high school friends or family as your crutch, you either hit the ground running or fall behind. So, I started pushing myself. I talked to people in my classes, I joined clubs, and I went through formal recruitment. It was not an easy change, but I slowly stopped taking myself so seriously.

Now that I've transferred to Purdue, I've once again had to put myself out there. I can honestly say I'm happier now than I ever was in high school, and it's no secret why. What began as a chore slowly became my new mindset. The following are things I've learned ever since I let myself live.

1. You become more passionate.

Once I decided I wasn't too serious or cool to try, I discovered the things I enjoy doing. For example, I love math. Integrals, derivatives, trig, all of it (except maybe geometry). Math may not be the "coolest" thing in the world, but that's okay. You know what is cool? Being a passionate person. Who cares what you're passionate about; caring is cool.

2. You make more genuine friendships.

This goes hand in hand with being more passionate. Once you let yourself pursue your interests, you meet people who are interested in similar things. When you don't hide who you are, people will take notice, and they will love or hate you for you.

3. You learn to laugh at yourself.

This is so, so important. Stop sweating the little things.

4. You try more new things.

Who knows, maybe you end up being the worst water-skier in the world. But guess what? You won't know until you try it. Even better: who cares. Trying new things is part of life, and it leads to the best memories.

5. You learn things about yourself.

When you allow yourself to have fun and make mistakes, you start to realize what's truly important to you. Which leads to the realization that:

6. You make mistakes.

It's inevitable. You might make a fool of yourself sometimes; if you do, go back to number 3. Laughing at your shortcomings and learning from your mistakes is integral to future successes and happiness.

7. Your world opens up.

Part of taking yourself less seriously is putting yourself out there. The beautiful thing about showing others the real you is that often they will reciprocate. You will find yourself exposed to new worldviews, perspectives, life experiences, and thought-provoking conversations. You will talk to people you would never have imagined about everything from politics to religion to aliens on the moon. Other people are among the greatest gifts you'll find in this world, and the most unexpected sources could change your life.

And finally,

8. You become happier.

There is truly nothing like being yourself. I have found that learning to laugh at myself and to allow myself to let go have been the turning points in my journey towards self-love.