Webster defines a misconception as "a view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding." That being said, I find misconceptions to be all around us. I find there to be many misconceptions about myself. One misconception about me would be that people often assume that because I went to Kennedale High I am what many describe as a "preppy little poor kid." In reality, I went to Kennedale but I live in Arlington and I wouldn't necessarily say I'm preppy or a poor kid nor are any of my friends for that matter. Thinking about the misconceptions people have about me got me thinking about the misconceptions that surround my friends.
Misconceptions and opinions, we all have them. They say "don't judge a book by its cover" but let's be honest here, we're all human and well all do it from time to time; often without even realizing we're doing it ...
I asked some of the amazing people in my life to answer the following question:
"What is a misconception people have about you?"
"Many people assume that because I'm in a sorority, I am selfish, ignorant, and consumed in only the things of the material world. If people would look further than just the stigma that come with Greek letters, they would see that I have a passion for ministry and mission work. I want to make a difference in the world and give to others and I am smart enough to know that it works one soul at a time. I'm more than what people see me for with their eyes. This is a picture from my most recent mission trip. Yes, I'm wearing a Delta Zeta tee shirt, but the real beauty of this picture is in the smile of the boy laughing on my shoulders."
- Hanna Newcomer
I believe the biggest misconception people have about me is that I I am really outgoing and willing to talk to anyone. In fact, I am truly very shy and many times I am uncomfortable in small groups of people. Even though I teach speech communications and coach a high school debate team, I still find myself wanting to crawl into a shell around people I don't know. I suppose I am concerned about being judged, but once I get to know the person, I allow the real me to come out."
- Mrs. Sherri Wade
The misconception about me comes when people first see me. My blonde hair and Delta Zeta t-shirt gives me the reputation of being a dumb blonde party girl who is drinking it up with a different guy every night. But the reality is that once you get to know me I'm the girl that doesn't ever go to parties or drink, is on the dean's list, is committed to one relationship, and does my best to live my life for Christ every day.
- Kelsey Warren
"People often think when they meet me that I'm too quiet to be able to lead, but in reality once you get to know me you see my potential."
- Daniel Caraveo
“One of the first misconceptions that I think a lot of people have about me is that I can be a “know it all” or as my one friend said “a brown noser.” This one is partly true and partly not. I can definitely be way too excited sometimes to share facts or something I know, which can come off as I’m trying to correct a person or “one-up” them. I won’t deny that this can come off as condescending. Its been one of my biggest faults all my life and I’ve been slowly trying to work on it. I would HATE to ever be the reason to make someone feel not smart enough or like they’re being condescended to. That’s not my intention at all, which is where part of the misconception comes in. The biggest misconception here, I think, is people’s reasoning as to why I can be like that. People assume that I’m trying to impress them or that I have to be right or be the best. At some point in my life, I think I was trying to use knowledge to seek approval but those days are long behind me. Now I think it’s part habit and part because I just get really really REALLY excited to share cool things. I love learning and I love knowing things, and I get super excited to pass on something to someone else. I think I just assume that everyone will be equally as excited by
this really cool fact or known thing that I have this unquenchable urge to blurt out everything and contribute to the conversation, even though most of the time people really don’t care. But, I’m trying to work on it, especially on my delivery. I think I just have to realize that my worth isn’t measured by how smart I can seem. It matters more about how I make people feel.- Mackenzie Kelley
Here's something for all of us to remember, misconceptions are everywhere but ultimately the definition expressed above does not say that they define us. Again, that old idiom of "don't judge a book by its cover" shall still remain relevant.
We all have a story, look around you and talk to someone. Take the time to let someone tell you theirs. I loved getting these responses and seeing all the misconceptions and people’s input as to what they face and deal with. If I hadn’t asked this question, I would’ve never expected these responses.
Thank you to all of my friends for taking the time to open up and share a bit of yourself with me and all those reading this article.
