I remember the days of "Hannah Montana" and a young Miley Cyrus, who had the Best of Both Worlds. I was obsessed with the old Miley and her long, beautiful brown hair and watched her hair's transformation to a beachy blonde lob. She was a style icon who embodied a confidence I wanted to find in myself. But that’s all I knew and cared about: how she looked, what her hairstyle was, and how cute she and Liam were together. I expected this phase to last a lifetime, but when "Bangerz" was released, I questioned who Miley was. The world was comparing this young adult to her teenage self, and her fans missed -- and some still do -- the old Miley. Unlike all those fans, though, I do not miss the old Miley; she's an individual who I’ve grown up watching, and I admire her transformation.
At the time "Bangerz" was released, I did long for the Miley I knew and loved, but as I grew up myself, I understood that she transformed into the woman she was meant to be, a liberal advocate. She was growing out of her Disney phase, which is why the "new" Miley shocked the world. I was used to seeing this perfect girl who lived the perfect life on television and what seemed off screen, too. But as I realized "Bangerz" was the debut of the real Miley, I actually felt for and loved Miley as an individual. With the media bearing down on your life, it’s hard to grow up, but regardless of the negativity, Miley did what she wanted because it is what is right for her.
Today I love Miley for who she is, an artist and advocate, not a Disney Channel actor. With the release of her new album this past year, "Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Pets," I saw the vulnerability in her. She became an artist that allowed herself to be honest with who she is and showed it to the world, and I find that to be a true success. Her honestly in her art, music, and life post-"Hannah Montana" allowed us a real glimpse at who she was. She is not always a style icon that inspires my outfits anymore, but an individual that inspires me to go above and beyond. Miley just wants to change the world, which is why she started the Happy Hippie foundation. This nonprofit organization works with and advocates for homeless youth, such as individuals of the LGBTQ community. This has given her an outlet to inspire young adults to be the change we need in the world. It starts with us because that person on the street could be our friend if we gave them a chance. All her work is overlooked, though, for her crazy antics, like when people focused on her outfits at the VMAs.
When I tell people I love Miley Cyrus, they take a double look at me because all they know is what the media shows, how sexual she has become, that she twerked on stage, and that she wears outfits that show a lot of skin. But I love Miley for her transformation from Disney Channel perfection to an individual who is bettering not only herself but the world. I do not miss the old Miley; I admire her for the artist and advocate she truly is today and will continue to be.
