Have you ever taken a look around and saw that the people there were nothing like you? That’s exactly how I felt during my angsty high school years. So, I stayed away from a lot of people and wasn’t very comfortable with my own self. For a very long time, I’ve had different tastes than a lot of people in my age group. I never really yelled it out nor did I want to be a special snowflake nor did I crave attention. I just had certain tastes. I like rock and don’t like pop. I like black, but don’t like pink. I prefer pale skin over tanned skin and so much more. In high school though, I feel like I only half embraced myself. The other half of the time, I just felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. I got very insecure even with my own friends, but I’m sure if you asked them, they’d have no idea.

Now that I’m in college and have a job, I feel much more free to do as I like. I pick out and wear the clothes I like and buy things for myself that feel like they’re meant for me. Sometimes, I still feel discouraged by certain people in my family and I doubt some of my family members will ever quite accept that I’m no longer a five year old that loves pink and Disney movies. No, I’m now a nineteen year old that loves black and animated movies- although I’m pickier now.

Most of the time, though, I feel way more confident than I ever did in high school. I rock black in the middle of summer and don’t feel a bit insecure about it- although, I often feel hot. Pun partially intended. In fact, I’ve gotten many more compliments in this time of my life than in any other part of my life. Often, I’m still a bit shell-shocked and pause a bit before thanking the person that compliments me. I’m not secure in all parts of my life, no, but I’d like to encourage the person reading this to keep pursuing their own tastes and fashion. It’s a bit awkward at first, but trust me, once you know what you like and have the courage to show it, you will feel so much better about yourself.