I'm a woman.

Sometimes, because I'm a woman, people (both men and women) will categorize me. Why? I'm not sure. But unless we all do the same back-breaking work, we'll never be completely equal.

I'm smart.

I am young and giggly, but just because I enjoy a few girly things doesn't mean I can't 100 percent back up the things I believe.

"Know what you believe and why you believe it."

I work hard.

I've never worked a 9-5 job and I probably never will. I'll always be on-call, my weekends will never actually be a weekend and vacation is nothing but a wish. I've been criticized for working "too much," but I love my job, so it isn't actually work.

I am independent (and slightly a loner).

Two different meanings, but both explain my personality. I am independent because I can do things on my own and I don't need someone else to help me, though sometimes I should probably ask for it. But I am a loner because I choose to be alone sometimes - there are some people who will never understand.

I am a redhead.

For years, the fact that my hair has a red pigment completely freaks people out. Blondes and brunettes can have the same pasty white, freckly skin that I do. Why does there have to be a segregation of redheads from the rest of the world?

I am a child of divorced parents.

Someone told my mom once that they were surprised I came from a separated household. Again, why? I grew up with loving parents and loving step parents. I don't need to be treated any differently because my house was "broken."

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Let me tell you why all of these things make me who I am:

Because I am a woman I can advocate my feelings about equal rights.

Because I am smart I can stand up for what I believe.

Because I work hard I can say I have a good work ethic and never quit.

Because I am independent (and slightly a loner) I can do things on my own and enjoy them.

Because I am a redhead I can appreciate the pale skin and freckles life.

Because I am a child of divorced parents, I can respect the life I've been given a little more.

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All of these things make me who I am, regardless of whether they scare people off. People get intimidated by some of these traits, but these traits make me who I am. Don't let the things you think people don't like about you turn you away or make you change who you are, because those thing may be the best qualities about you. Brush it off, go watch some Netflix and enjoy a glass of wine.