In the search to find my most true self, I learned a few important lessons. Arguably, the most important one was avoiding assimilation and ultimately: authenticity.

You’ve got to stop trying to be like that person you always see. You know that one or ones I’m talking about. You eye them (slyly) as they walk through the mall. You like a picture of them on Tumblr and screenshot it so you can aim for that style yourself. You see them on campus and think to yourself: "Man, I want to be like them."

Yes, they are amazing, and people love them for various different reasons, but them being them is amazing. You don’t need to be anyone else because they already exist. And yes, you may like her bangs, and how she rocks her ponytail. You may like the way he rocks cuffed jeans or combat boots. You may like the style of clothes he or she wears, but if those things aren’t you, don’t do them. Someone has to be you, and the only person who can do that is, you guessed it, you.

There’s a lot of pressure to be a lot of different things out there. Be edgy, but not too edgy that you freak people out. Be active and wear those hot workout clothes, but also be the girl or guy who can eat a whole pizza by themselves. The world is filled with so many influences, and it pressures you to be a million different ideals at once, but mocks you when you're not enough or too much of any one thing in particular.

The world may do all of these things, but don’t lose sight of who you are because of them. It can be hard to stand up and embrace who you are fully. It takes guts to love yourself, and people will constantly tell you that you shouldn't. You will find nothing but peace when you stand firm in who you are, cement your feet to the ground and say to the entirety of the universe: "No, I will not move. Not today, and not ever."

So if you want to cut all your hair off, do it. If you want to dye it purple or green or anything in between, do it. People are going to love you the way you love that girl’s bangs and how light and bubbly her personality is. Don’t deny yourself and who you are to be something else. Be you first. If there are things you aspire to, reach for them, but never, ever, not be you to be what is loved on someone else.

Usually, what people love most about someone is their authenticity to themselves. So, if there’s anything to truly be achieved, let it be that.

Be authentic, be brave, be bold, and be whatever beautiful that is you.

Most importantly: be you.