In an era of major influence from media, like Instagram, blogs, and news outlets, it's hard to figure out what is authentic and what is fake. People pose online a facade, as something they want to be instead of who they really are. In this Internet age, it can be easy to find trends, ideas, and things to obsess and love.
In college, you find people who are diverse and unique. However, sometimes you can get flak as a young person for being basic. If you like watching "Grey's Anatomy" or "Gossip Girl" on Netflix, or if you wear Uggs and leggings, Lilly and Jack Rogers, or Urban Outfitters and Vans, you're just another basic person in the crowd.
Nowadays, people tell you, "Being different simply means you are being yourself." Sadly, this is not always the case.
I've seen some people, people close to me, do things to set themselves apart just to be "different." Which is fine. But what they were doing wasn't always who they are, or they are not doing it for themselves. Which is what isn't fine. They didn't have to get piercings and tattoos, or dress a certain way, or go to certain concerts and events, or go along with crazy trends to prove they were special. They were already unique before that.
Now let's get one thing straight. Being different is okay. Being different is wonderful. As long as being different is also being yourself.
In this society, the idea of "being yourself" and "being different" have become blended together, and while you can be different, that may not always be you. Being different is fairly easy. You just have to do the thing everyone else isn't doing. Being yourself is being comfortable with opening yourself up, becoming vulnerable, and having no fear.
I understand that this isn't the easiest thing for someone to do sometimes. It isn't easy to be yourself if you have fear of rejection. But personally, I would rather have a couple real friends who love me for who I really am than a dozen or two acquaintances who like who I am trying to be.
So if you are a prepster, a hipster, a basic teenage girl, or none of the above, go be that. Follow trends, or don't. Do what you love. And be the best version of your genuine, beautiful, amazing self you are, and let it shine.
