“Here’s to the kids who are different,
Kids they call crazy or dumb,
Kids who don’t fit,
With the guts and the grit,
Who dance to a different drum.” – Digby Wolfe, “Kids who are Different”

Growing up, we’ve learned that being “different” has two very distinct meanings:

One of them is defined as being unique, at peace with yourself and your interests that vary from the norm. This is the definition we’ve grown to accept and cherish, with many individuals wanting to become special snowflakes of their very own.

However, this isn’t the definition of different I’d like to draw attention to.

I’d like to address the second definition of “different”—being a tad askew, whether it’s being socially inept or just an oddball.

Individuals who tend to fit this definition of “different” know that they aren’t like everyone else and struggle to find their place in the world. They may or may not have disabilities that are invisible to the human eye and strive for acceptance amongst their peers, professors, or those they hold dear. They aren’t entirely sure how to open up to someone fully, afraid of being shunned for their likes or dislikes.

I happen to be one of those individuals.

A very clear memory I have is asking my mother why no one liked me, or why I didn’t have many friends—not that there was anything physically wrong with me, but being born premature had its downfalls, especially developmentally.

I went through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for years to get me where I am today, and yet the memory of feeling “left out” comes back from time to time, as do the challenges.

The challenges I’ve faced may vary for those who are also “different”, but they could be similar, whether it’s being told by a teacher things would only get harder, or being told by a school counselor that one couldn’t handle a class because it was simply “too hard”.

Yet, something amazing happened:

I strove to prove every naysayer wrong, to love those around me and not let anything stop me—Stranger or foe.