To anyone who’s felt like they weren’t themselves in high school,

First off, you are not alone in that feeling, myself included. While fashion, technology, and people have changed largely over the years, high school seems the be the one consistency and that isn’t exactly a good thing. The general outline of high school seems to be the same, the “Popular” kids, the “Jocks,” the “Nerds,” and the “Goths.” While high school graduates know that they are more than these labels, kids still in high school feel like that is all they are.

Let me tell that these labels do not define you, you are the songs that you listen to, the people that you love, and the things that you love to do. Whether that be knitting or running marathons, you are amazing because you are being yourself. I know you’re worried about who to sit with at lunch, believe me I had that same thought many times, but remember that the people around you are just that, people, other humans with worries, insecurities, and hobbies like you.

While you may feel like the only one faking it through high school know that you’re not the only one. When you break down that wall, even if it’s only to break out a book to read while everyone's on their phones, you will not be disappointed because you will realize that maybe that other shy kid in the back has read that book and you two may just become friends. You’ll never know if you don’t take a chance. That’s what high school has discouraged, taking chances and I very much dislike that.

Be that kid that admits they love Taylor Swift because that will encourage others to open up to the world too. High school has so much stuff in it and kids don’t take advantage of it because they’re scared they will be ridiculed for it, I know I was scared. I can’t imagine myself knitting in high school because it was seen as an “Old Lady” thing to do and hey it may just be that but I love it and I’ve found other people who love it too.

I know high school is trying to force you into these molds and I know it would be easier to give into those molds but it feels so great when you put yourself out there. Knowing that you did something for your own enjoyment feels amazing. I know it’s not an easy thing to do but just take that first step, take that book out to read, take those cards out to do a magic trick, do something small that makes you feel like yourself and believe me when I say that that next step will be easier.

And remember, high school is a completely warped view of reality and know that there is life after high school. As my idol Taylor Swift once said, “Take a deep breath as you walk through the doors, it’s the morning of your very first day…” High school sure can suck sometimes but if you try just a little bit you may just find something you love to do.