When I was younger, I was told quite a bit that I was "too outgoing", "too loud", "too talkative." I was always "too much" of something. Teachers, peers, family; it didn't matter who told me. I was always too much. I was told by a peer that I would not be able to make friends or be able to find a significant other, because my big personality scared people away. I learned to make myself quiet. I learned to only speak when spoken to, and only respond when asked. I was made to be shy, and hide away from others. I grew a sense of nervousness when having to speak to others first because once, I was "too much".

As years went on, I grew a love of politics. Now, it wasn't enough that people already once told me that I was "too loud, too outspoken." I had to be told that my knowledge of what was happening in my country was too much. I was told that passionately speaking, was making people dislike me. Even though I knew that if my knowledge and big personality made people hate me, and scared people away; that is their problem. I thought to myself, "Well, maybe I should stop. Maybe I should be quiet".

I was wrong.

People are so scared of having someone around who actually knows what they are speaking about, and passionately does so. People are so scared when a woman does not sit there quietly and simply take what the world has given her. I refuse. There is no such thing as "too outgoing", "too outspoken". There is no "too much" of anything. We are given voices to use them, and change the world. We are loud for a reason. I will not be made quiet.

Just like how others used their voices to try to cut me down, I was given this voice to build others up. I am outgoing; I make those who cannot use their voices, feel comfortable and heard anyway. I am outspoken; I make sure that someone is fighting for all those who can't.

I refuse to be small. I refuse to sit. I refuse to be quiet.

For all of those who are told that they are "too much", those who told you that are wrong. Use your big personality and share it with those around you. Help those who don't have that voice yet, create it. Make everyone feel included with your muchness. Be passionate. Be loud. Be proud of who you are, because that voice was given to you for a reason.

My greatest weakness turned out to be my greatest strength. I have my voice, and I will not lower it to make those who are scared of it; comfortable. I am a proud, strong, loud, outgoing, outspoken and educated, woman. I know who I am, and I will not make myself feel lesser for those around me. I am not "too much," for I am me. My voice could change the world some day so, why not use it?