My Experience Being Me

I am a high school girl who loves unicorns.

When given the assignment to make a t-shirt for myself to express who I truly was, I was actually really excited about it. I was excited to show the world who I truly was and was determined to go all out in my outfit. I knew the moment the assignment was given; I was going to make a shirt on my obsession for unicorns. I knew that while me and my friends act and pretty much are two-year-olds and really enjoy this kind of stuff, others find it “lame” or “uncool”. I went with the unicorn theme and wore my unicorn hat, bracelet, and necklace. I even brought in my stuff unicorn named “Pixie” to school.  I knew if I was going to do a project this intense, I might as well go all out.

                While I was totally psyched about the project to begin with, I have to admit, going into school and all my classes decked-out in my unicorn gear, made me nervous. I knew wearing that outfit may not get me a lot of compliments or respect from my peers. I knew being the transcendentalist I was trying to be wouldn’t be easy. A lot of teens in high school view things like unicorns, stuffed animals in general, princesses, faeries, legos, star wars and all those kinds of things as “nerdy” or “childish”. This makes some people lose instant respect for you, opens a door for them to make fun of you and just end up treating you like no one for doing something as simple as being yourself. While as harsh as it is, it is just the way it is and I knew that being my inner “two-year-old” self was going to be interesting.

                I have to say though, I had fun in the end and truly believe that we should have a day like this for everyone to make a shirt like Mr. Provenzano’s English classes did and wear it all day. While I did get some disgusted or judgmental looks from some people, particularly upper classmen, it was really an uplifting experience. I had a lot of people compliment me on my shirt. Some people thought it was funny. Others just asked why I was doing it and once I explained it, they thought it was cool that I was doing it. I loved being who I was for the day. I loved showing the world who I really am. For them to see me not as “one in the crowd”, but as a unique individual who stands out far beyond the rest. Some might have even seen my shirt and seen that it is okay to like unicorns in high school or just something abnormal for someone in high school to like. It might have shown them how we are all a little weird and that being yourself isn’t a crime. My shirt probably wasn’t as powerful to others as I clam it to be, but it was that powerful to me and really changed my outlook on some things.

                I don’t know if my shirt did everything I hoped it did. I am not sure if some people have no respect or dislike me now knowing my passion for something two-year-olds like. I don’t know if I will ever be a “Lady Gaga” and always stand out in a crowd. I don’t even know if I would ever do this again without a bunch of others doing it with me as well. All I know is…

                I am a high school girl who loves unicorns.

                And proud of it.