My favorite verse in the Bible says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve that God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). This verse is the reason why I don't do so many of the things society tells us is OK in this crazy, messed up world. This verse is a foundation for so many of my beliefs as a Christian and as a person.
In the society we live in today, everyone knows what's "cool" and what's not. Everyone knows what's "funny" and what's not. Everyone knows what the definition of "attractive" is in the eyes of most men and women. We're living in a time period where the media is more pressuring than ever, and the desire to be like someone other than yourself is at an all-time high.
What I'm writing this for today is to tell you all simply not to change when you go to college. Sure, your goals may change, your friends may change and your personality may even change. "What shouldn't I change?", one might ask themselves. That core person inside of you. Don't let her or him change. Don't brush off your morals and values simply because you're in a new setting. Don't sacrifice what all of your life lessons have taught you for anything or anyone. Stay true to who you are and to God's plan for your life.
One of my favorite quotes in the whole world is by the actress, Emma Watson. She said, "Don't feel stupid if you don't like what everyone else is pretends to love." If you're a college student and you don't want to be a part of whatever is viewed as "cool", don't do it. Do what you truly love and stay away from what you don't. In life, one of the most underrated qualities one could portray is the quality of being different. Being a true original.
Society is full of labels: white, black, pretty, ugly, gay, snobby, preppy, hipster – just be you. You don't have to fall into some category. Make your own category. As humans in this generation, we feel as if we have to fit in somewhere, but really, the only person we need approval from is Jesus. After that, all we need to do is be ourselves. If people can't accept that, it doesn't really matter. If who you really are isn't society's definition of "cool," even more power to you. However, if there are some completely stereotypical college things that you truly love and enjoy, go for it! Just because things are normal, doesn't mean they are bad. If you want to binge-watch Netflix, do it. If you want to eat Ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch and dinner a couple days (well, some days you may not have a choice), then do it! Just do what you enjoy, not what society tells you to enjoy.
We only get to live this life once, so let's not conform. Let's do what's right, what we love and not waste any time trying to be someone else's definition of "cool."
