I have always struggled with being "popular," as some would call it. Growing up, I struggled the most with this. I grew up in a small town in Georgia not many people would typically know of. One thing I struggled with the most in elementary school was bullying. I was picked on in elementary school for about 4 years; each and every day for being a Christian, the new kid, short, etc. I was also very emotional, so that made it worse when it came to the bullying. Not many people recall this ever happening, but I do. Finally, when I moved to another school in 5th grade, I decided that it was time for me to change who I was to fit in.

When I moved back to the school district I grew up in, I was a "new person" in my eyes. I wasn't weak, fragile, or small anymore; I was a strong person who was going to be like everyone else. I started to be less emotional, and more straight forward, and this worked. I was no longer picked on for being an emotional person, but I also started turning away from my Faith. I started to say things I wouldn't normally say, become less emotionally involved in church, and not know who I was. I remained this way for a semester, then I found myself in chorus. It was then I realized that I did not have to be like everyone else; I could be my own person. I sang my heart out for not only myself, but the Lord as well.

College can be a very difficult time for students. Between running to and from classes, homework that seems to never end, and not having nearly enough sleep, it is difficult to find ourselves in the madness. Always stay true to yourself, and to God. You don't have to be the same as everyone else. You don't have to wear the newest clothes in fashion or try to be like others. You just have to be yourself. That is where you will find your true happiness.