People often ask me how I would've labeled myself in high school, and I never really know what to tell them. First off, I'm not one for labels. But I would say the first thing I was known for in high school was soccer. So I guess that made me a "jock." To be honest, I paid no attention to popularity in high school. I really didn't care about what people thought of me. I know that seems like a radical idea in high school. It's actually one of my favorite things about myself, my ability to feel comfortable with myself without needing validation or approval from other people. I mean I was friends with the proclaimed (and self-proclaimed) popular kids. I enjoy liking people. I only ever dislike people if they give me a reason to. I can't stand when people are cruel to others for no legitimate reason. As long as people have a good heart and aren't mean-spirited, I will like them, regardless of what they look like, what they do, who they love, or any difference there may be between us. What's most important to me is the kind of person they are.
In addition to soccer, I was involved in a number of traditionally "uncool" activities. By traditionally, I mean the kind of things that the media and society often deem to be for the freaks and the geeks. I was in drama. I was in show choir. I was in all AP classes. My "popular" friends would see me hanging out with these "drama freaks" and "show choir geeks" and the "nerds" and ask me why I was friends with them. I was always taken aback by that question. I told them it was because I was one of them. I was a drama freak. I was a show choir geek. I was a nerd. And that was cool. I wore those descriptions like badges of honor. I enjoyed being a part of so many different groups of people. I loved being surrounded by people who were passionate about the same things that I was passionate about. I didn't care if it was something that would be considered "cool" or not. To me, it was cool because I loved it, and I didn't let anyone tell me otherwise.
What was most important to me in high school was my character, not my reputation. I tried to be a good person, someone who was nice, smart, and accepting of others. And to those of you that I may have hurt, I want to take this opportunity to apologize. I promise it was never intentional. As long as I knew I tried my best to make other people feel heard and important, I was satisfied. I think that was the coolest thing I ever did.
To all of you who don't completely embrace your passions because you're worried about being made fun, please do. Do what you love. As long as you love it, do it. It is cool. And no one can take that away from you. You can't live your life trying to fit someone else's idea of "cool." There's not one standard, rigid definition of what is cool, contrary to popular belief. What makes you different makes you special. The world needs people like you to chase your dreams and do what makes you feel alive. You will be exponentially happier following your bliss. I look back on high school with no regrets. I did exactly what I wanted to and I had the time of my life. I poured my heart and soul into everything I loved every second of it. That's the way I will continue to live the rest of my life. I sincerely hope you do too.
And to all the "popular" kids out there, I offer you this same advice. Just don't be an asshole to the people who are different from you. That's really not cool.
