I’m not “that girl.”

I’m not the girl who guys lust after. The one that belongs on the cover of a magazine. The one that has flawless makeup, perfectly groomed hair, and a model figure. The one that turns heads when she walks down the street; the subject of conversation when she enters a crowded room. The one that everyone compliments on her looks and wardrobe.

I’m not the girl that's a fascination; or more like an obsession. The one that every other girl wants to be, and the one that guys are always chasing.The one that simply cracks a platinum white smile, and gets what she wants without the lift of a manicured finger. The one that is the center of attention, and the first to speak. The one that’s the perfect “girl next door”.

I’m not "that girl," but I’m me.

I mind my own business and listen more often than talk. Guys don’t drop jaws at the sight of me. Most mornings, I get ready in ten minutes, then I fly out the door. I call it hobo chic. This entails my glasses, and whatever sweatshirt and leggings combination I come up with. I’m not a stick because I was an athlete for most of my life. My natural habitat is being trapped in a book or consumed in a cup of coffee.

I’m not graceful; I fall on any surface, regardless if I’m wearing heels or flats. I swear like a sailor and have a crude sense of humor. I crave to learn and always ask questions because my brain is a busy bee. I am strong-willed, determined, and stubborn. My parents taught me that I have to work hard in order to attain my goals. My future doesn't entail being a trophy wife or obeying orders.

I'm not meant to just sit and look pretty or be a second option. I'm more than that.

My main focus in college is to plan a future for myself as a nurse, put myself first, and spend time with loved ones along the way. I spend most nights at home cuddled up on the couch watching Netflix or doing homework. I’m here to get my degree, not mess around. I’m here to make an impact on the community through my writing and extracurriculars. I know what I want, and I'm going to fight until it's mine.

I didn't come to college to marry someone rich and sell myself short. I didn't come to college to be the fan-favorite or have a million friends. I came to learn. I came to flourish. I came to rise above no matter the circumstances or the odds against me. I came to discover who I am, my purpose, and my passion.

It's taken a lot for me to get to this point in my life. I recently changed my major and my career aspiration, and it's been eye-opening. I never realized how much I've changed since the start of the school year until I've reflected back on my actions. I'm not proud of briefly being distracted, but I can learn from it. I'm ready to get my ferocity back and set the world on fire. You know what they say, "work hard, play hard."

I used to wish that I was the girl that I just described, but I'm destined to be greater.

I don’t need constant approval of others because this life is mine, not theirs. I know my worth, and I’m going to let go of the people that treat me like a piece of trash when it’s not deserved. I’m building an empire for myself, as well as everlasting friendships with the most amazing people. I’m stepping up and using my voice in a leadership position. I need supporters, not people who want my downfall.

I used to want guys flocking to me like a bunch of seagulls. Now I know my worth isn't based on the fact if men desire me or not. I'm not a breakable porcelain doll or a toy that can be played with out of convenience. Boys, step aside unless you want to face my hurricane. I'm powerful on my own: I'm going to make a difference in this world solo.

Of course, I have insecurities. I’m the epitome of insecurity. They haunt me all day, every day. When I walk out the door, I don’t let them show. I put my best foot forward by being kind, standing up for what is right, and most importantly: being myself. Influential figures don’t just sit back and let things happen, they take the bull by the horns. They face the storm head-on.

I'm my own hero.

When I'm feeling anxious and the world seems to crumble, I don't need someone else to save me. Eventually, things will be okay. I'm not a charity case or a broken animal. This life is my story, and I'm my own hero. I can pick myself up and motivate myself to keep going. I'm saving myself from negativity and unnecessary despair.

I've been independent since day one. In pre-school, I was the first child to clean up all the toys without being asked or needing assistance. I wasn't afraid to voice my opinion. To this day it feels like a burden to ask for help. I'll fight for me; place bets on me. I’ll never succumb to dependence or quietness.

I aspire to be a free bird who isn't confined to a cage.

My favorite movie of all time is “Breakfast at Tiffany's - Holly Golightly is my idol. She believes that she doesn't belong to a person, a place, or anything - not even herself. I can be wily and a wild-thing at times. I desire to only possess the clothes on my back, the shoes on my feet and take opportunities as they come. I want to go to music festivals, hike mountains, explore forests, see all the oceans, and experience different cultures. I want to visit every country in the world and meet new people with varying perspectives.

I will do those things someday without worry. I'm fiercely independent and that's the first step. I don't belong to anyone or any place. I'm just going through life and addressing what comes my way. I want to experience new things without feeling like I have baggage. The world is my oyster - in fact, it's more than an oyster. Someday, I'm going to buy a plane ticket with no plan in mind.

I’m not the typical girl, and I'm proud of it.