This article is in response to our June 2018 Your Turn prompt.
Individuality is not very hard to find, yet so difficult. Sweet, and yet so bitter. In society, we are often pressured to be the same as everyone else, thus making our uniqueness hard to prosper within us. When exploring this topic, I came across the dictionary definition of an individual: a single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family or, a person of a specified kind. But I believe there’s more to it.
In my understanding, an individual expresses his or her opinions, beliefs, and thoughts without worrying of what others might think and not trying to “follow the crowd.” An individual truly embraces who he or she is. Spending your life trying to be like someone else will eventually make you forget who you really are. When you maintain a positive attitude about your character, you won’t feel as though you need to impress or please someone. You are happy with yourself, not ashamed of your flaws, and cherish your unique aspects. You can cultivate your own character by learning from those around you and having positive role models in your life. You learn to love yourself for who you are, rather than feeling insecure about someone you’re not. When your peers respect you, your uniqueness is very visible within you, because you are a leader among them. An individual learns to be independent, as well as learn to respect those around him or her and learn from his or her elders. An individual would be okay in wearing something he or she wants to wear, since he or she has no fear of other’s opinions, but a follower would not be comfortable wearing something like that, in belief of teasing or anything else that follows. That person starts to question stuff like, “will this make me look weird” or “ what might they think or say if I do this?” These questions start affecting your decisions, therefore molding you into someone who pleases others. You start to lose your own sense of personality and style, and become someone who you are not.
When it comes to the influences of others on your individuality, the results may not always be the same. For example, parents and wise adults would most likely advise you to be yourself, and appreciate that, but around peers, your true character may not always shine through. When around people that we feel we need, we tend to not show them who we truly are, and be someone who satisfies others, yet excluding ourselves. But these situations allow us to find others who make us feel like the real person we are, which is important in order to be your own individual. Finding those special groups allow you to grow as a person, and support you in being who you are, because you are surrounded by understanding and accepting friends. You flourish yourself, start to find the courage to really open up, and let your character blossom.
Being your own individual may be challenging, but the pride you feel afterwards is priceless.
Nandana Surendran is an eighth grader from Texas.
Bonnie says
Well written. I am going to forward it to my middle schooler. Thanks!