For 16 years I wore my hair in a pixie cut, and for some of those years, it even felt buzz-cut short. I have never been good with change, but around my junior year of high school the haircut just didn't feel right anymore. It was no longer representational of myself.

I slowly started to grow it out, not admitting to myself what I was really doing because I was too afraid to go through the awkward lengths that lead to long hair. It took a year for my hair to reach the bottom of my chin and what felt like a summer for it to reach my shoulders.

It was ironic that at the time I was growing my hair out all of my friends were chopping theirs off. It was as if I was betraying the stylists who declared short hair was in. However, I was growing my hair out so that I could experience something new. Although French braids, ponytails, and buns are basic to some people, they were exciting new hairstyles for me. I was barely able to style my hair when it was short. It seemed like no matter what I did it would stick straight up in little spikes.

Changing my hair made me feel empowered. A small change can have a big impact, especially when small things like hair and clothing are meant to portray identity. While change is hard and scary, sometimes it is necessary in order to find a more comfortable and happy version of yourself. It is important to remember that (no matter how big or small) change is not something to be afraid of and is even refreshing every once and awhile.