I used to wear the same purple dress for days and weeks at time.

I would beg my parents to paint my room purple and it was the only color ever painted on my nails. Eventually, when I was 19 I dyed half my hair purple. I got some wacky looks from strangers and unconvincing compliments from my family and friends, but I didn't care because I absolutely loved it, and now I miss it.

I'd say my favorite quality about myself is not being afraid to be myself.

There is this idea of private versus public character. They are perceived as two separate identities. There is a line to be drawn between how you act with your friends and family versus how you act in a workplace or among school peers, however; it becomes a problem when you begin to alter your individuality to fit in with a crowd.

We all have our quirks. We try and keep them concealed to certain people. But we shouldn't- instead we should embrace who we are. Not everyone will like you and not everyone will accept you but if you are able to come to terms with yourself and love yourself you will find your place. There is someone for everyone. Not just romantically but through friendship. We all have a person but you can not find your person if you are not you. They are looking for YOU! Not who you think you should be!

I know growing up in the 21st century is no easy task. I'm doing it too. Society is breathing down our backs molding us into it's ideal person. Simultaneously, it tells us to be unique and different. To me, it sounds like one big contradiction and is shifting us from individualism to collectivism.

For most of us, in high school, it is difficult to comprehend how big the world is. We are confined to classrooms sitting next to the same people for four years and the streets of our neighborhoods which we have walked all of our lives. It is not until you get out of your comfort zone, you can truly understand the beauty of this magnificent, diverse world we live in.

When I first got to college, I was shy because I didn't know anyone and I couldn't seem to find a group of friends like mine. I would wake up, go to school then go home. After a few weeks I was tired of keeping to myself worried what people would think of me. I started to crack my not so funny jokes in class and introduce myself to different people. I was surprised how accepting and willing people were to be my friend despite my quirks. All I had to do was be myself. I didn't try and form myself to them or their likes. I simply showed them who I was and they accepted me for me. I made friends with people I never thought I would be friends with.

All around me I see people trying to impress others to fit in. It's not worth it. There are too many people on this Earth to waste your time and energy trying to be apart of a group in which you are not yourself. It may be intimidating or out of your comfort zone but just give it a try. A moment of bravery could lead to a lifetime of friendship, a lifetime of laughs, a lifetime of memories.

Different makes an impression.

Unique is admired.

You are valued.