From a young age, I’ve always had an inherent drive to stand out. The idea of blending in, of being ordinary, was something that filled me with a sense of unease. It still does. As a child, I harnessed this desire to be different by gravitating towards things that weren't popular with the masses.
While my classmates proudly wore their Carolina blue jerseys and cheered for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I chose to be a Duke fan—a decision that is incredibly ironic now that I’m a student at UNC. When my friends were obsessed with Taylor Swift, One Direction, or Justin Bieber, I chose to become a fan of Selena Gomez, someone who wasn’t necessarily the most popular choice at the time. It wasn’t about rebelling for the sake of it; it was about choosing my own path, even if it meant standing alone.
This determination to be different helped me make sense of the world around me, and today, helps shape the way I see the world. It’s pushed me to question my identity, my values, and the person I want to become. Looking back, I realize that this mindset has been a guiding force in defining who I am.
Being different isn’t just about making unconventional choices; it’s about having the courage to stay true to yourself, even when it’s easier to follow the crowd. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and using it as a source of strength and inspiration.
As I prepare to step into the professional world, I know this desire to be different will continue to guide me. It’s not about being contrarian for the sake of it, but about having the confidence to forge my own path, to question the status quo, and to seek out opportunities that align with my authentic self.