When I first came to the University of Kansas, I knew that this place would hold many opportunities and allow me to meet many different people. But I didn’t know the extent of how different it would be from my hometown, Topeka, Kansas. After all, they were just 40 minutes away from each other.
At my high school, I felt like everywhere I turned I saw the same people with the same mindsets: conservatism, small-mindedness, same outfits, and quite frankly–not too kind. I didn’t have a sense of belonging here, for I felt like I was molded by those around me. I had no clue that I would change into a completely different person once I was in college, and I am so grateful I did.
In high school, I fed off the personalities of the people I was around– this consisted of bland, ditsy, and judgmental. Being a natural redhead in a school full of bleach blondes, I decided to dye my hair to fit in. After dying my hair constantly for years, it started to fade and fall out. But who cares right? As long as I was accepted by the arrogant girls around me.
I also went from wearing clothes that represented me at the beginning of high school, to just wearing what every other girl would wear. I went from baggy jeans and unique sweaters to wearing leggings and crop tops. Not to mention, I was encouraged to buy from fast fashion businesses such as SHEIN.
My grades started to slip my sophomore year, because I only cared about superficial concepts such as boys, parties, and when to get my roots done. By the end of high school, every inch of individuality I once had was diminished.
But now, I don’t care. I wear clothes that I feel comfortable in and I show off my auburn hair. I go to class with pride, knowing that my goals are important and that someday I will make great changes. The thing that changed the most, is my confidence. I now feel a sense of belonging and genuine happiness rather than despair and insecurity.
So, thank you the University of Kansas for changing my perspective on the world around me as well as shaping me into my true self.