Be Yourself, the Old Cliché by Mateo

Be Yourself, the Old Cliché by Mateo - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

School is a major part in almost everyone’s life as well as one that may be extremely influential. You’re bound to make great memories, learn some valuable lessons and develop yourself as person. You’ll be introduced to hundreds of new people and get exposed to a new social life. Although I must admit, after the numerous amount of interesting people I’ve met throughout the years, they all have one thing in common. They all follow the mainstream. How can you blame them? It’s much easier to be a follower especially when all the decisions are being made for you. Tons of people will have many similarities be it slang, music, fashion sense, party life, you name it. You can’t expect to develop your own unique taste in life if you are surrounded by people who all act and do the same things. Youre attitude and outlook on life will be greatly influenced by the society you are surrounded by throughout your career in school.

I believe it is vital to at some point stray away and explore new things that are outside the box. You cannot be afraid to be different. Mainstream society may tend to keep you constrained by keeping you from exploring new music, new sub-cultures, new sports, new interests, or even new ideas. Many of us want to be accepted by the people around us and that is why people don’t typically deviate from the mainstream, but what I’ve learned all these years is that people rather have unique friends. Society in general just like people who are distinct from those around them. One way to distinguish yourself is to simply be yourself. Don’t bother trying to impress anyone but yourself. I’ve personally experienced it and seen it happen a million times over. Being yourself and exploiting your real personality will attract more friends and relationships than you would if you were to pretend to be someone you’re not. If you decide to remain in your comfort zone you’ll easily restrain yourself from finding something you’re actually passionate about. Surrounding yourself around the right crowd will ultimately influence your attitude and approach in life. You have to be honest with yourself. Take a step back and look at your actions, thoughts, and situation to see if you’re being yourself, or another product of society.

Instead of sticking to the main stream, create your own stream. I know it sounds cliché, but take note of the most successful and innovative people in history. They’re thinking differently, seeing differently, perceiving differently, and approaching the world creatively. Instead of making computers more complex, Steve Jobs revolutionized it by making it simpler. The Wright Brothers built an airplane when everyone was becoming a business mogul. And don’t think for a second that Albert Einstein coined his theory of relatively by working in a factory! Not only were all of these historical figures able to contribute something great to mankind, they also gained a large following and widespread acknowledgment by choosing their own paths doing something different from the rest.

This is definitely easier said than done, but don’t pretend like you enjoy being another copy. Do yourself a favor and don’t become a new addition to the herd of sheeple. Ask yourself this: who is really running your life?