In today's society, people often struggle with exhibiting their individuality. Teenagers, particularly, have changed into power-hungry individuals, obsessed with the approval of their peers. Yet, most are afraid to truly express themselves, in fear of becoming an outcast. I praise myself for becoming a leader, not a follower, in today's world. Thus, I believe in the power of being your own person, not being influenced by the opinions of others.

The outlook on life has shifted to one of approval due to technology. As the world has become more technologically-advanced, an iPhone enables people to form connections in ways previously not possible. Social media affects members of society, and in particular teenagers, who base their status on the amount of followers or likes they have. When I was a high school freshman, I fell prey to this occurrence, for I would delete a photo on Instagram if it did not 'get as many likes' as I had hoped. Looking back, I now realize how self-discouraging this action is, for I was judging my self-worth off of how others viewed me.

Through my obstacles in high school, I have gained the power to express myself, in a way in which I am my own priority. Instead of fixating on who does and does not like me, I focus on myself and what I want to do. I have used my self power by going against a typical high school trend: friend groups. With today's culture, high school students tend to stick with a single friend group, in which they do not associate with other people. I have challenged this ideal by not remaining in one friend group; I have friends in various friend groups. Embracing my individuality, I am friends with people who are not considered 'cool,' who are merely categorized as this label due to modern society. I do not look at the social hierarchy high school has created, but instead the character of the individual; Thus, my best friend is not part of my 'friend group,' yet she is the only person I trust with my life.

Being your own person is a very big challenge for people to overcome, due to the circumstances established in today's society. I use my struggles as a source of motivation, for there is only one me, and I am the only one in charge of my life. If a person is unkind to me but considered 'popular,' I will not attempt to be their fake friend in order to achieve a 'popular' status. Although many teenagers would not follow in my footsteps, I do not worry about the opinion of others. High school is only four years, a fraction of our lives; Thus, I will choose my friends wisely—and continue to do so in college—exhibiting my power to not follow the crowd, but instead be my own person.