I have come across many situations where, girls specifically, will get caught up in a friend group or hung up on a boy they like. As a result, they will do whatever is necessary to keep their attention: even if that means changing who they are as an individual. People look for acceptance to fill the void of feeling unwanted, no matter what they have to change.

One of the hardest things to watch is someone slowly start to change. I know this from experience of watching someone I love be torn between changing to conform to a friend group or stay true to who they are. Now, I can’t lie; I have found myself conforming to what someone I cared about was attracted to. It took some good friends and quite a bit of time to realize what I was doing and how I was changing.

At first you won't notice yourself starting to conform to bad habits. It’s something that hits you later on. I’m not trying to say that changing who you are is always bad. I have changed quite a bit since coming to college, but they are all changes for the better. For example: having better study habits, getting more involved than I was in high school, having more confidence, and forming better communication skills. These are the types of changes I want to experience throughout my years here at K-State. I’m lucky enough to have friends who will help me push for these goals and stay clear of changing myself in a way that is not beneficial just for someone’s attention or friendship.

I have figured out ways to get back in touch with who I am and who I want to be when the end goal starts getting foggy. I have found special places in Manhattan that give me the open space and clear thoughts that I need. I think it’s important everyone has somewhere or someone to go to when things get blurry and they lose sight of who they are and who they want to be. There can be many friends we make who end up being more toxic than helpful. As hard as it may be to let go of them, it can be the best idea.

I have never been a fan of conforming to someone’s stereotype or a negative expectation that is put on me. That is especially when it comes to peer pressure, no matter what the situation. I think everyone should have at least a little bit of resistance in them.