Masks. Everybody wears them whether they realize it or not. Who we are at the core of ourselves is rarely who we show ourselves to be. It could be our fear that holds us back from embracing who we are, knowing we might be judged and disliked. Or maybe we hide out of habit because that’s all society has taught us to do.

With Halloween approaching, this concept of disguising ourselves with masks is looming. For one night out of the year, we can be whoever we want and it’s perfectly OK. With whatever spooky mask or goofy costume we want, we cover up our real selves and portray whatever image we’d like. I’m a pretty big fan of Halloween; I think the spirit of it is exhilarating. It’s a laid-back holiday (well, “holiday”) that brings excitement for people of all ages… I also really love candy, but that’s besides the point.

I believe that having this one night to hide under a mask is not only acceptable, but is of value. However, if we already have Halloween night to mask our true identities, why do we hide behind other, more serious masks on the other days of the year? Some of us love Halloween so much because it is an opportunity to become someone we are not, someone we may desire to be.

Halloween is just one out of the 365 days in a year - there is a reason for this. Taking off our daily masks and embracing who we are (vulnerabilities, flaws, and all) will not only add to the specialty of October 31st when we do disguise ourselves, but also result in an overall happier lifestyle; building relationships with people at a vulnerable state is so much more rewarding than hiding and pretending in order to impress those around you. After all, wouldn’t you rather “fit in” with people similar to the real you? One of the greatest feelings I have ever experienced is meeting someone who is similar to me - and I don’t mean just someone who plays the same sport or maybe shares my major - I mean someone whose soul is compatible with mine. Masked friendships are shallow friendships.

Whatever it is you’re hiding behind that mask, whether that mask represents knowledge or popularity or riches, it’s begging to be exposed to the world. If you find yourself feeling convicted after reading this because you realize you may be altering the real you in order to be accepted, I challenge you to embrace who you are and whatever it is that makes you unique. Do you ever find yourself walking through campus or the mall with your head down, just trying to keep to yourself? Me too. My mask in those moments is independence; I try to pretend that I have my life perfectly together so I’m just going about my own, simple business. But this is no way to live, especially when each person you pass is feeling the exact same way. Take out your headphones (Yikes - that’s a hard one for me!), lift your chin up, and show the world your awesome, quirky qualities.

On Oct. 31st dress yourself up however you’d like. Live in disguise for a day. But on Nov. 1st, take off your mask and love who you are. I guarantee the world will love you, too.