People say that to be a true individual is a rare quality. The individual is normally thought of as one who does not comply with the generic schemas and stereotypes set up for their generation or their society. However, I believe an individual is so much more than that. They are the people who differ naturally, but not for the sake of being different. Being an individual means there’s truth in the definition of the “self” of the person and that they often don’t mind being different. Being an empowered individual means there’s not only self-truth and acceptance of differences, but courage in being able to stand up for one’s beliefs and not care what others think. In my life so far, I’ve been traveling that path to individuality just like many others, and the books and music I choose as well as the people I look up to have helped me so much along the way.
My favorite book series (though it may seem a little cliché to hear now) is the Harry Potter series. I’ve read each book approximately 100 times, and I’ve memorized so many quotes that I can recall them at a glance, and my friends and I make constant references to the books. They’re not just books I like though; for me, they’re life. Though this may seem like a far-fetched statement, it is 100% true, since the wise words of J.K Rowling have helped me develop greatly as a person. Luna Lovegood, for example, has been my inspiration since middle school. I was called names and laughed at for being a nerd, and it kept the 7th grade version of me in a constant state of melancholy and awkward shyness. Luna Lovegood taught me that trying to blend in and hide yourself is overrated. She says to Harry “Oh … well …I think they think I'm a bit odd, you know. Some people call me 'Loony' Lovegood, actually.” I was able to relate well to that situation, and I thought about how even though she was called names just like me, she didn’t let it get to her, and just went on her merry way, eating pudding and putting her creativity and knowledge to use. I decided just like that, instantaneously, to adopt that same point of view and not listen to what random people say. Since then, I’ve been comfortable with myself and my personality, and even if I’m a little more reserved than others, it’s okay, because I’m me and I don’t have to change that for anyone.
During that time of name-calling, I found a new part of me that I never knew existed; the part that loved alternative rock music. I discovered Paramore’s existence when I was in 7th grade, and something about that guitar-slamming angst-ridden music pulled me in at the time. It was wonderful, and it felt empowering to listen to. Now, I’ve evolved in my music tastes and I listen to a lot of Mumford and Sons, Imagine Dragons, and Of Monsters and Men. What has remained the same, however, is that I can’t talk to anyone about the music I like because no one else I know seems to like the same genre or bands (in fact, they think I’m weird for listening to certain bands). I’ve learned from the music itself, by listening to lyrics such as “I’m never changing who I am” and “I’ll be born without a mask”, because the lyrics ingrain themselves in my head after a while, and I start to believe in them, and because of their meanings, believe in myself.
Lastly, aside from books and music, which I choose, I am most inspired by the people around me. This year, for instance, my AP Chemistry teachers have put out so many inspiring quotes that I can’t help but remember them and apply every single one to myself. They’ve trained us not only to take the AP Exam at the end of the year, but for life, by saying things such as “What if you have an excellent day? Always think positive, put in hard work, and positive things can happen”. I’ve applied that to school and exams, but also to my everyday life by thinking positively about everything that’s going on, and trying to see the best of things, which is considered odd for a teenager (since we’re anticipated to fit the rebellious stereotype). My chemistry teachers, my calculus teacher, and my awesome parents and brother (in short, people who care about me) also tell me that we all are our greatest competitors. It’s been said before, but this year, things have changed in many positive ways, and the message finally sunk in. I’ve been focusing on myself as an individual and I’m able to become greater as a person and as a student by working to improve myself instead of to just be better than others. It has played a huge role in me setting aside my own personality and my own ideas and strengths and weaknesses and accepting who I am as my own self.
The people in my life, the books I read, and the music I listen to have helped me greatly in realizing that I am and can be a strong individual. I will make choices that make me happy, and will strive to reach as close to perfection as possible. I will be.