Back in middle school, and even high school, people always wanted to be in the popular crowd – so they changed their image.

They became something that they were not.

They may have changed a habit or picked up something new altogether.

Whatever the case was, everything was all about the image.

When I graduated high school, I left with a great group of friends, but sadly, most went to a different part of the state.

I felt that I graduated with an amazing group of friends that truly accepted everything about me, and I believe a ton of students feel the same way here at USI.

Looking forward to USI, I was excited because very few people would know me. They would have no idea what sort of hectic, insane girl they might meet.

I felt so comfortable because no one had to change their image to better themselves for others.

We could all be who we were on the inside.

This past weekend, though, I found that not to be true.

Some people chose to be my friends, secretly hating the person that I appeared to be.

When I found this information out, I was scared.

Why was my personality not good enough for a few people?

Why do I feel that I have to put my guard up when talking to people now, for fear that I might “scare them off”?

Whatever happened to accepting who one is and showing the world everything spectacular about oneself?

I know that not everyone gets along in this world, but should we promote that being true to oneself is not a good way to interact with people?

No. I thought I got away from people judging who I was when I graduated high school.

I guess that the world’s not as clear and accepting as I imagined it would be.