In middle school, I was infinitely afraid to speak my mind; to communicate what I really thought. I thought because my opinions and values were different from everyone else, that just meant I was weird. I didn't have a boyfriend and lacked a solid group of friends, I had no room to be different.

High school changed everything (thank God) and I began to truly be me. The year of 2016 especially, like Kylie Jenner likes to say was "the year of realizing things". I had always agreed with the platform of feminism but never openly expressed my support. I had open conversations with the most influential women in my life and found out they felt the same way I did. The importance of women being equal with men was something I felt passionate about and I shared it even if I knew a particular person might judge me. My friends called me a "feminist" in a negative connotation but I felt empowered in the fact that I understood my importance. Last year, I began exploring what my political beliefs were. I found out that they didn't have to be the exact same as my parents, which was totally OK with me and them. I was able to have chats with my dad on different social issues and learn how to properly defend my viewpoint. He made sure I understood topics before I supported them. This was vital since I often have the problem of blindly believing what I read on Twitter (thank you Dad).

But I think the most important thing I realized was that I could speak up about what I was feeling inside. I have always struggled with the fear of exclusion or just some social situations in general. I cared so much about being included that I kept my mouth shut. Mean people have a way of making you think standing up will ruin your life. They could turn everyone against you. If they're in your friend group, they pose a real threat of alienating you from everyone. But in actuality, their words can't do anything.

I can recall countless times this school year that I have found myself standing up to that mean girl when the person she's attacking someone has no way to defend them self. I have lost friends over this: over telling them they're wrong. Over being the only person brave enough to call them on their bluff. And I've never felt so empowered.

Speak your mind. It's freeing. Credit to my best friend for encouraging me to be me.