Over the past few months, just like everyone else I know that had their college semester cut short, I have become more cultured on the newest short video app: Tik Tok. At first, I really didn't understand it. I thought nothing could come into comparison to the OG: Vine. Then, I went through that phase where I tried to get famous doing corny 'dances' in my backyard. It didn't happen. Yet.

After falling more and more down the rabbit hole that is Tik Tok at 2 A.M., I discovered how many celebrities are using it, especially those who were most popular when I was in grade school. Clearly, we're all a little bit more grown now, but that doesn't change the fact that they are likable to the public for the most part.

One of the stars that I was pretty surprised to see was JoJo Siwa. Many know her from the hit TV show "Dance Moms," where she was much, much younger. To my surprise, JoJo still dons the super bright colors, bows, and glitter. No problem with that though, to each their own. (I do prefer her Gucci apparel, however.) It didn't take me long to recognize the amount of hate Siwa was receiving.

I found Siwa's account when she was still sixteen, and she has recently turned seventeen. According to several comments on her radiant Tik Toks, her behavior is simply unacceptable. Some even go as far as to compare her to newly sixteen Charli D'Amelio. Mind you, these are two very, very different people.

Charli's success comes from her signature Brandy Melville outfits and viral dances, while JoJo's success is deeply rooted in her colorful, out-of-the-box style and signature JoJo Bow. These bows are sold at stores all over, such as Claires and Walmart, and carry a message. JoJo is super against bullying, and she wants to be there for her fans who feel alone in school and don't feel as if they have anyone to talk to or trust. To compare D'Amelio and Siwa is just ridiculous. They each have their own different lifestyles and are essentially unproblematic—so let them be this way.

Siwa doesn't just ignore her hate. She embraces it. A few weeks back she even posted a Tik Tok compilation showing different hate comments on a green screen and her reaction to them—always laughing. Several comments read along the lines of "She's older than Charli!," "When is she going to grow up?," and even "Imagine raising a child for nine months for it to become this." She embraces her main idea of positivity and keeps moving along.

Siwa recently posted a video that shook the world: a video of her hair down. Many thought that she was 'finally' changing, but JoJo assured her followers that she was never going to change what made her happy, and she certainly wasn't going to give in to the "act your age" comments. She even fired back at comments that she was being forced to do all of this, saying that while she is under contract, she is in control of her career and life. This earned my respect for JoJo.

So, long story short, while you will never see me wearing a bow in my hair or a ponytail higher than the clouds, I have discovered a huge amount of respect in my heart for seventeen-year-old JoJo Siwa. I really respect those who can rise above hate and refuse to change for anyone, and Siwa is a great role model for this. I have no doubt in my mind that she has made many, many young people feel welcome in this world, and I hope she keeps throwing her shine around for as long as she wishes.