To the stubborn ones like me,

Thank you for not settling with the titles that people decide to award you. Thank you for being more than the snobby cheerleader, the meathead jock and the lazy rich kid. Thank you for being tenacious enough to refuse that a few words are far from enough to describe a human being. Thank you for breaking stereotypes.

I am 20 years old. I am from California. I have blonde hair. I am a cheerleader. I am part of a sorority.

Almost everything I listed comes with a stereotype. Reckless. Chill. Stupid. Snobby. Preppy.

But here are a few more facts about me:

I work two jobs. I pay for school. I am a science major. I'm a big sister. I'm a world traveler.

I have pushed myself to step outside my comfort zone so that I don't fall into the mold that people put me into. I have chosen to hold myself to a higher standard so that I can be an example to my siblings and my peers, and that no one has the right to define you with a word or a phrase.

It's people like you that inspired me to be more than what I look like, or what I chose as a hobby. It's people like you that made me stop and tell myself that I am in charge of my life. I am in charge of my image. I can be whatever I want to be. It's people like you that taught me to love myself.

You can be confident without being vain. You can be compassionate without being passive.

Thank you to those who prefer not to fit in. To those who don't fall in line with a clique. To those who choose the road less traveled. You are the game changers. The ones who have "it," as my grandmother would say. That sparkle that you just can't explain, but you know it's there. You are the ones that people look to when it's time to be bold. The ones that stand at the front line unshaken and ready for a battle.

Thank you for understanding and utilizing your potential as a leader. Thank you for giving those who aren't quite ready to ditch the comfort of their labels, a voice within the community. By denying to surrender your stubbornness, you are inspiring others. You are encouraging rebellion. You are starting a revolution.

It's people like you that unknowingly hold the world at your fingertips.

Remember that you are not characterized by where you are from, what you look like, or the journey you have been on. You are not characterized by family, friends, or superiors. As far as I am concerned, you are superior. You are the only one in control of your character. You're the boss.

So continue to refuse labels. Continue to be brave. Do not silence your voice for the satisfaction of another.

Living in fear is no way to live, so be courageous. Be strong. Be bold.

You do you.