May 6, 2016
Identity
High school is supposed to be the time in our lives when we establish who we are. It’s the time when we figure out what we like, what we want, and where we’re going to go. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to figure out who you are when you’re surrounded by people who are all trying to do the same.
Trying to establish your identity in high school is kind of like screaming in a school gymnasium filled with thousands of other kids, all screaming like you are. It gets to the point where you can no longer hear your own voice. All you can hear is the throbbing screech of everyone’s cries combined. You might be able to make out different pitches and intensities, but your own voice is completely lost in the chaos. Understanding who you are in high school means that you aren’t just figuring it out who you are. You’re trying to figure it out amidst a sea of other personalities, all vying for the same kind of chance to distinguish themselves as you are.
Understanding Your Personality is Difficult
Other people are a large part of the reason why it can be so difficult to understand your personality. I don’t say that to put blame on others, it’s just how high school works. It always seems that other kids are so comfortable with who they are. It seems like they’re all confident and outgoing, or at least fine with not having those particular traits. When you’re constantly surrounded by those people that seem so sure about who they are, it starts to feel like you’re the only one that isn’t sure who you are or who you want to be. And still, when you try to figure it out, the universe sure doesn’t make it easy for you.
In order to figure out who you are, you have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. You have to realize that there could be other things out there that you would really enjoy and excel at if you gave them a chance. Because of the countless different extracurricular and elective options that there are in high school, it can be a great place to try and branch out and get involved in new things. On the other hand, this can be a really difficult thing for people to do because it can be risky. There’s always the chance that it might not work out, but unless you try, how will you ever know what you do and don’t like for sure?
Being comfortable in our own skin is something that we strive for our whole lives, even without truly knowing that we’re doing it. Some people may seem like they’ve got it all figured out, but while they might know who they are right now, they will be in the same boat as the rest of us sooner or later. The fact is, we change all the time, and will be figuring out who we are for the rest of our lives. But who we decide we are in high school will be instrumental in who we become later on.
Be True to Yourself
If you are in high school and currently going through the same predicament that I am, remember never to give up. There is a place for everyone, no matter what you may think, and you only have to be brave enough to keep searching. Keep looking, and keep trying, because you have a place out there. And even though it is sometimes the most difficult thing of all, strive to be true to yourself. Don’t fake enjoying something if you don’t, and if you like something, don’t be afraid to participate in that activity, even if it’s something that you’re usual group of friends might not share with you.
In conclusion, high school is essential in discovering and distinguishing our identities as people in a world where everyone is trying to do the same. Keeping true to ourselves will be a forever ongoing battle with an ever evolving goal, but the main idea will always be the same. Don’t give up, no matter how old you are, and constantly strive to be true to your best self. And always remember to look forward to the day when you are finally able to scream among all the other voices, and finally hear your own voice ringing out. See you next week!
“Reprinted from Hagel Publications, Inc. dba as Courier Newspapers”