I used to always want to be anonymous. I knew I would never be known by everyone, so I wanted to be known by no one. In fact, throughout middle school and high school, I felt a step farther than anonymous: I felt invisible. At first, my invisibility seemed to be a negative of my personality, but after being invisible for so long, I started to actually like it. I felt comfortable with people not knowing me - but I knew them. I liked feeling like an anonymous face in a crowd of people even when that wasn't accurate. Although I went to school with the same kids for many years, I still somehow felt like invisible and anonymous.

I have realized recently that I am completely fascinated by this idea of anonymity. It's such an interesting subject that isn't really addressed much. As a reader, you may not even know what I mean by it. According to dictionary.com, anonymity is "lack of outstanding, individual, or unusual features; impersonality.'" With such a negative definition, people often do not think of anonymity as something good. It's essentially saying you lack uniquity and personality. The way that anonymity fascinates me has nothing to do with that definition.

Anonymity is being in a public space and no one knows who you are. It's sitting in a room and being able to remain as invisible as you want. It's walking to class and saying hi to no one because you don't see anyone you know. Anonymity gives you the ability to act within your own little world. There's something so special and cool about being random and mysterious. You often have this sense of peace and simplicity with life.

As a student at a medium-sized university, I have gotten to experience feeling both anonymous as well as identified and known. Especially as a freshman, I didn't know many people. I felt a strong anonymity and invisibility on campus - like I didn't belong. I'm pretty sure many freshmen feel this way. This is when my thoughts about anonymity started to change. As I got to know more people, recognizing familiar faces became such a positive part of my experience. I started to matter on campus, and I didn't want to be anonymous anymore.

Being anonymous can be cool and mysterious and interesting, but feeling like you truly belong is so much more valuable. Although anonymity can be comfortable and simple, I think being an identifiable person is even better. Although still fascinated with the concept - my feelings about anonymity have changed.