It wasn't until college that I was really questioning who I was. You're in a new environment surrounded by completely new people and this is your chance to really discover who you are and start off fresh. Along those 4.5 years, I had my ups and downs, but to me, those were all learning experiences. I think I discovered a piece of myself for every high and every low.

I found myself when I was surrounded by friends who were just like me, but also completely different from me. I found myself when I put myself in situations that challenged me and took me out of my comfort zone.

But then I found myself wanting to be someone else.

I don't always feel this way. There are days when I like who I am, but then there are days where I see pictures of other girls and I question why I don't look like them or why I don't have a life like them. I have to tell myself that I am me and that's unique.

Nobody is ever going to be me, nobody is ever going to be this Ilana.

What we see others post on social media is a distorted version of the truth, so it's best not to compare ourselves to those versions that we see.

I've discovered what I'm most interested in, what makes me happy, what makes me feel uncomfortable, and what makes me feel like less of a stranger in my own skin. If something makes me happy and I enjoy it, then I'll continue with it, regardless of what others may think. I love to write, to edit, to experiment with makeup, to go dancing, and to explore. I don't have to be a makeup guru or a ballroom dancer or a "New York Time's" best seller to fit in and enjoy life.

Wanting to be someone else can be a fun thought for the moment, but it gets boring. The moment fleets and then you're left feeling empty--like you're missing something. Just think, there are people out there who want to be you, too! It's a never-ending cycle that I hope we can all break.

In a world where everyone wants to be someone else, I'm going to be me and love every minute of it.