I usually use my drive home as a time to really think about things. I went home this past weekend and one concept kept popping up in my mind on my drive back to campus: popularity. I come from a small town where, when I think about it, popularity is such a consuming mindset. If you're not popular or hanging out with a certain group of people, then you're a nobody...basically.
But you are somebody.
The ideology of popularity is a waste of time, honestly. People spend their efforts to make a name for themselves, be friends with the right people, and sometimes do things that they normally wouldn't do, and for what? Also, who decides who is "popular?" Is it just assumed by doing the things previously mentioned that you are a part of that particular crowd?
The name you make for yourself in one place typically doesn't follow you. No one is going to care about if you were on the Homecoming or Prom Court when they're interviewing you for a job. They're not going to know the people you hung around with. They'll want to know your interests and what makes you unique. That's why I feel like the concept of popularity is such a waste of time and effort.
In the big scheme of things, that doesn't matter.
At this point in your life, things like popularity may matter to you and that's fine. Just don't get caught up in the concept of it and become someone you're not. Be you and find friends who you can be yourself around. Focus on bettering yourself and finding things that you love to do.
But whatever you do, don't be like Gretchen Wieners.