I'm not the kind of girl you pick out of a crowd.

I slouch, I don't know how to walk in heels, and most of my pickup lines involve puns, at which I laugh much too easily. I'm clumsy, I can't build IKEA furniture, and while I can't whistle, I will certainly keep trying. The only time I've ever been described as "the girl next door" is when I quite literally lived next door to a guy I went to high school with, and I've been known to trip and fall both dramatically and publicly.

When people describe me, they might not be using the word "pretty." I'm not the one they're locking eyes with across the bar, or the one they're trying to sit next to in class. But I don't care very much about being "pretty," and neither should you. I want to be described by my mind and character. Instead of "pretty," we should strive to be:

1. Adventurous

2. Driven

I want to be a doer. I want to work hard--both for myself and for others--and conquer obstacles.

3. Fun

I want to laugh often and easily, and I want to be known for it. I want to be the kind of person you're excited to see walk into the party.

4. Well-Read

5. Captivating

6. Kind

If you want to compliment me, then say that I am kind. Say I'm the kind of person that would pick you up in the middle of the night. Say I'm inclusive, welcoming, and selfless.

7. Creative

When you think of me, think of what I've created. Tell me I take lovely photos. Appreciate my style. Compliment my living space.

8. Open Minded

Tell me you're comfortable coming to me with your wildest thoughts and ideas. I want to be trusted with your opinions, to respect them and to feed off of them.

9. Intelligent

I want to be thought of as smart. I want people to see that I'm hungry for knowledge and information. I want to be willing to learn new things, whether it be kite surfing or accounting.

10. Original

I want to be called "original." I want to leave an impression. I want to be unlike others in the best way possible.

11. Brave

Maybe I can't kill a spider, but I want to be unafraid of new places, people, and experiences.