I’ve never been one to enjoy “mainstream” things. Boy bands have never been my thing, saying “fierce” and putting up a peace sign over my eye was never deemed as cool in my book, and I don’t really care for a lot of celebrities that people obsess over.

I suppose there’s nothing wrong with being into those kind of things, it just isn’t me. Lots of times when I say something like “Hmm I don’t think Justin Bieber is cute” or “I think that new song is boring”, I get crazy looks from my peers. Surely I can’t be the only one on the planet who isn’t into mainstream type of things, and if you are one of those people let me tell you why it’s okay for you to stand out.

I think it goes alot deeper then just not liking a song that comes on the radio. I think having interest that stand out is a mentality, just like having interest in “normal” things.

I’m one to observe those around me, and going to high school is the perfect place to observe all types of personalities and situations. I see tons of people who are ridiculed for liking the things they do such as glee club or gaming club. Yeah, sure, those clubs aren’t the most popular clubs the school has to offer, but why condemn someone for liking what they like? I have yet to see a person mock or question why a student is a cheerleader or football player. Is it because those extra curricular activities come with some kind of unspoken status and forbids anyone from questioning why those students enjoy taking part in those clubs?

Not fitting in with what everyone else is doing is one of the coolest traits you can have going for you? Why? Because it’s people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who chose to stand out instead of conform that shook history. I know that sounds drastic, going from school clubs to changing history, but it’s not far fetched. If you start a mentality of I must fit into the normal things of society, good luck getting out of that mindset when it comes to standing up for what you believe in.

I’m not saying that you can’t enjoy that pop song they’ve played on the radio 50 times or that you can’t like watching The Bachelorette. All I’m saying is, ask yourself if you really like those things. When you look in the mirror can you honestly answer the question: Am I living my life doing what I enjoy or what I think others will find impressive?

I don’t know about you, but from where I’m standing, pretending to be someone you’re not looks pretty tiring. I will never understand why people bend over backwards to impress people they really don’t like. Maybe it’s an insecurity thing? I get that. But learning to not be ashamed of the person you are is such a freeing feeling.

I encourage anyone who is reading this and isn’t comfortable with standing out and being their true selves to give it a try. Hey! If people don’t like you for who you really are, it’s there loss anyways not yours!