To be original or to blend in with society, that is the question.

When you’re different you’re not as vocal as others, but quieter and just collect thoughts instead. Just because there are people out there who would rather sit down and read a good book, than go out all night and party, doesn’t mean you’re not normal. You just prefer some things over the other.

When you’re different you don’t understand concepts as quickly as others; it makes you feel almost frustrated to think why you’re this way. These thoughts lead to not being sure to ask a question in class because it might be stupid or irrelevant.

When you’re different you don’t know what it’s like to have a sibling while your friends talk about always arguing with them and/or having a close relationship with them, while knowing the amount of love for each other anyway.

When you’re different you nerd-out about your favorite superhero, what kind of music you listen to, what video games, or celebrities you adore etc, but people think you’re weird for it or completely hate you for liking certain things.

When you’re different you have different physical features that what ‘society standards’ want you to look like.

When you’re different you talk with a lisp or mumble, and you don’t speak as clear as you want to, which results in judgment and people making fun of you.

When you’re different you chose to or have to have a certain diet because of your well-being or beliefs (such as religion).

When you’re different you grew up in a different type of neighborhood, was raised a different way, or are not exposed to certain things until a certain age. When you can’t relate to a tv show everyone has watched or simply choose to not use technology, people might look at you like you’re different.

When you’re different you want to be in a career that may or may not make the most money, but is what you love doing. Because of this, you know you’re not going to work a day in your life because you’ll love every second of it.

But…

I know I’m not alone

I stand out because I embrace that we think a different way even though it may not be out loud, but thoughts instead, which is how I process thoughts.

I stand out because I have a creative way of learning instead of sitting in a lecture or discussion and absorbing everything. I learn through visual aids and in a one-on-one setting as well as reading a physical copy of a textbook than an ebook.

I stand out because I grew up as an only child, but I have the greatest friends--that are more like family--in the world. They have seen me through my awkward phases, weakest points as well as my strongest points. So, even though I’m an only child, I’m certainly not alone

I stand out because I have my own personal interests in the creative field such as painting, drawing, writing etc. I have loved the Wizard of Oz since I was a kid and have watched that movie (along with "The Parent Trap") at least thirty times.

I stand out because I have a unique body figure that I’m learning to love and become comfortable with. I’m (slowly) not caring about society’s standards of beauty.

I stand out because even though I do mumble and speak quietly, I am learning to get out of my comfort zone slowly but surely.

I stand out because even though I don’t choose to have a filtered diet, I still choose what I get to eat and I’m learning to eat right.

I stand out even though I didn’t grow up to be in the richest families, I still had a great childhood because I was given the chance to go on vacation and get an education, which is all that matters to me.

I stand out because I’m choosing to have a career that I really love. I know it will make me happy in the long run and that is the one main priority I want to get out of my future.

I am who I am because of how I want to shape myself to be, and not by other’s opinions and standards.