Since we were kids we have been encouraged to be an individual — to stand out. But for what? Every time someone was different during our school days they were ridiculed for their self-authenticity. So, what did most of us do?

We decided to conform.

In middle school, I had the iconic emo phase. I was not heavily bullied or ridiculed, however, I did feel a major disconnect between my classmates and me.

Instead of fighting back and basking in my individuality, I conformed. When I made my way into high school I bid a farewell to my bright red hair and all black outfits and said hello to what was "normal."

I began highlighting my hair, wearing leggings religiously and ventured down a rabbit hole of youtube videos to learn how to do my makeup (without massive amounts of eyeliner.)

Granted, I am glad I got out of my little emo phase.

However, I was not being true to myself.

I was so concerned about being the "pretty girl" at school rather than showing off the real me and my real interests.

This cycle continued throughout my years in high school. Although my self-confidence was growing, it was all a facade. My self-confidence was growing because I was relying on the validation from others.

I got plenty of compliments daily, but at the end of the day, I still hated what I saw in the mirror because I wasn't truly happy with myself.

No amount of compliments made up for my lack of confidence or my lack of self-love. I didn't believe I was this beautiful girl on the inside or outside unless someone else told me I was.

That was unfair to the real me because I wasn't even being the real me.

I immersed myself in the opinions of others, the social norms of high school beauty.

It's something that I have seen affect not only myself but my peers daily.

We're afraid to dress a certain way, wear the makeup we want, show off our interests simply because we don't want to be ridiculed or judged like in middle school.

Instead, we follow the social norms, follow the Instagram baddies trend and wear the same Adidas superstars as everyone else.

This year I decided I was over it.

I was over feeling like I had to follow every trend and stay in my comfort zone to feel "pretty." When I wasn't worried about how I looked to other people I was at my happiest.

With that realization in mind, I began to grow.

Instead of highlighting my hair I dyed it dark brown.

Instead of going to the gym, you know damn well I'm sitting and eating my 20th pizza roll.

Instead of worrying about my acne scars, I started wearing a fresh face to class because it's easier.

Instead of listening to rap music, I am proud to jam out to my 2000s emo playlist in the car with my friends.

Not caring about what other people think is pivotal to self-growth.

It is necessary for your health and your happiness.

We cannot let others define what we should be doing and how we should be looking. We must learn to love every bit of ourselves, inside and out, before even considering listening to the opinions of others.

You need to trust and believe in yourself.

You need to stop concerning yourself with being the pretty girl because there is so much more to life than being pretty.

We should concern ourselves with being healthy, and the easiest way to be healthy is to be happy with who we are.

Be happy with what you see in the mirror, and do the things you want to do.

So wear those mom jeans, binge your favorite show while your friends are at the gym... do what is going to make you feel good and healthy, not what others claim will make you feel that way.