When I got hired to write for the Odyssey at SLU, they shared with me that the position was one that would allow me to write freely about anything of my choosing, within reason. Freedom in the workplace is appealing for any job, but I wasn’t quite sure if I would be able to fully utilize the opportunity because coming up with ideas isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do. This week, as I pondered what types of things I could write about, one thing stuck out, or, more accurately, didn’t stick out. That thing was my single missing tooth.
I’ll share with you a little bit of a backstory (I apologize in advance if you’re one of those people who doesn’t like discussing dental issues.) Due to some part of my family’s genetics, I failed to form a whopping five permanent teeth while my mother was pregnant with me. Basically what that means is that as I grew older and my baby teeth started falling out, there were five baby teeth that would have no tooth to grow in behind them. This was never really a huge issue for me growing up. I had the classic spacers, braces, and retainers, but other than that, they all but ignored the lone baby tooth that remained in my mouth up until the age of 20. There was no tooth to push it out, so it just chilled there my whole life, awaiting the day that I would remove it and begin the process of getting an implant. That day came a couple of months ago when they removed this baby tooth to prepare for an implant that I will be getting later this year.
Now to the real topic of this article. Yes, I wanted to talk about my missing tooth because it’s funny and makes me look like a pirate, but the real reason I wanted to talk about it is because I think it’s important for everybody to be reminded that appearances aren’t everything. When they told me they’d be taking out one of my teeth, I had the option to get a temporary tooth while I waited for the permanent tooth. I opted out of this opportunity because I don’t think that anybody should be ashamed of any part of themselves. Now don’t get me wrong, I believe that when you look good you feel good, but I also believe that if you look “bad” (aka decide to go to Chick Fil A for the third time in one day wearing no makeup and oversized sweats) you shouldn’t have to feel bad.
While I am getting my beloved gap filled by a permanent tooth eventually, these last couple of months have already been a nice reminder of the importance of being confidant in yourself. Ultimately, if you’re confident with who you are, the haters won’t have anything to say. And who doesn’t love shutting up a hater once in a while? Never forget the lessons that Christina Aguilera, One Direction, and Lady Gaga taught us:
- You are beautiful no matter what they say. Words can't bring you down.
- Don't need makeup, To cover up, Being the way that you are is enough.
- I'm beautiful in my way, 'Cause God makes no mistakes.
Ok you get the picture. Stay confident friends! Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t all that bad being a pirate.
