Being a tomboy is something that most people are told they will grow out of. They're told it's just a "phase." People think that by the time your friends start to use makeup and wear dresses that you will join the fad.
I grew up the complete opposite: I didn't care that girls my age wore make-up and were growing up quickly. I wanted to wear sweats and a t-shirt and play football with all the boys. I played with army toys instead of dolls. I had more guy friends than I had girl friends, and frankly? I didn't care. Some tomboys might have a good mixture of guy and girl friends, and there's no shame either way.
Coming to college, I was scared about being a tomboy, especially since I was planning on going through sorority recruitment. I felt like I would be judged for who I am because I didn't want to wear dresses 24/7, and I can't walk in heels to save my life. When I went to college, I decided that I wouldn't care. I came to the decision that the people whom I would meet were complete strangers who had no right to judge me. I had a fresh start to be who I wanted to be and to show my new friends who I am. So I held my head up high and I flaunted my inner tomboy. However, the reactions I got were no where near what I expected.
My friends and my sisters have come to love me. They let me be myself in a world that is constantly trying to change who you are. Not only can I wear what I want, but no one anywhere on campus cares. Usually we all strut the sweats and sweatshirts most days of the week so we all blend in together.
College is where you find yourself. You find out who you are while constantly trying to be who you were. You live to be accepted, but in the end, you just want someone to care for you and love you for all of your flaws, imperfections, and little habits.
You are who you are and as long as you have confidence, nothing else matters. If you want to wear shorts and a t-shirt and you feel comfortable in that, then do it. If you don't want to wear heels and you want to wear tennis shoes, then do it. You have the right and opportunities to be who you want to be and to shine your light brightly. Here's to you, fellow tomboys; we're all in this together.
