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What It's Like Being A Small Fish In A Very Big Pond

Why it's better to be yourself

DeLacy Louise Rowland

Nov 08, 2016

Wofford College

What It's Like Being A Small Fish In A Very Big Pond

DeLacy Louise Rowland

(eek my first odyssey article)

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

This goes out to every girl who feels like they have to impress everyone to be someone. I know how you feel because I feel that way too. I feel like I have to walk around wearing the most expensive clothes and doing my makeup until I reach perfection. I feel like I have to have the hottest friends around me at all times. The perfect boyfriend, or guys following me everywhere I go. I walk around making myself feel like something I am not. I feel artificial. I have felt this way for a very long time and now as I am a freshman in college I have come to a bold conclusion...

I don't have to, and neither do you.

Here is why...

Each of us is beautiful on our own.

You were made this way for a reason, to be different, and we all are. We don't have to be the most beautiful girls on the planet. We are beautiful without conforming to society's norms. Clothes do not make you beautiful, makeup does not make you beautiful, your friends do not make you beautiful, boys will NEVER make you beautiful (except dads because they rock), the only thing that makes you beautiful is you and your individuality.

Internal beauty is what matters the most.

Be captivating. Be magnetic. Be hilarious. Be sad. Be quiet. Be loud. Be Broken (hey it's okay). Be truthful. Be whatever body type you wanna be (love my size 6 jeans and DD bra). Be outrageous. Be Bold. Be dramatic (you go Taylor Swift). Be silly. Be a food junkie. Be raw. Be delicate. Be strong. Be stubborn (hell we all are). Be vivacious. Be inspiring. Be embarrassed (like that time you tripped outside and hoped no one saw but knew everyone did). Be brave. Be vulnerable. Be daring. Be grateful. Be faithful. Be free. Be controversial. Be wild. Be loving. Be everything and anything you want to be, but be more than just external beauty.

Don't be afraid.

YOU DO YOU. YGG. YES BOO YES. WERK.

I've walked around my college campus in boxers, a tie-dye grateful dead t-shirt, and uggs (it was only 65 degrees) but boy did I feel like a million bucks. I have also walked around with half my body spray painted. I NEVER wear makeup to class anymore, and I have found that not only does it clear up my skin, NO ONE CARES. Eat pizza rolls and easy mac for every meal!!! Wear your norts and oversized t-shirt, or your dress and heels!! Be comfortable being whatever kinda person you wanna be! You rock, don't let society tell you any different.

So to the girls who have felt like they need to be something they're not, stop. Stop conforming. Find the girl you want to be, not what you feel molded to be. Be who YOU have always dreamt of being. Be paradisiacal so don't forget to resemble your own paradise. Being the small fish and being yourself is far better than losing yourself in the pond. Wherever you go from here on out you will be loved for you, and it will be the best feeling.

Sincerely,

Just another girl.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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What It's Like Being A Small Fish In A Very Big Pond

Why it's better to be yourself

Each of us is beautiful on our own.

Internal beauty is what matters the most.

Don't be afraid.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

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