Being an Individual by Stephanie Rodriguez

2007 North Campus
College Prep Writing Contest FIRST PLACE WINNER

Have you ever known anyone who always follows trends to be cool? Do you know someone who acts like someone they are not? In life many people are followers not leaders. Knowing who you are at heart is the most important aspect of life; that is why being an individual is the greatest human achievement.

First and foremost, being an individual can be the hardest achievement a human can ever accomplish. It is well known that fashion has a great influence on society, which has made it difficult for people to remember how important it is to be themselves. For example, teens and young adults want to look as beautiful as the models in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Men’s Health. In desperation to look fabulous; both men and women are going to extreme measures such as shopping uncontrollably at designer name stores, working out excessively, and even developing eating disorders.

Being an individual is a great accomplishment. It has never been an easy task to walk to the beat of your own drum. Individuals have faced many trials and tribulations, and are not always accepted by society. For example, individuals are constantly criticized because of their choice of clothes, religion, music, foods etc. At one point or another college students that just want to be themselves are rejected by their peers. The strong students stick to the beliefs and choices that make them happy, and they do not care what the rest of society will think of them.

The people that are able to wake up every morning without worrying about what society has to say about the way they choice to live their lives are the happiest at heart. Being able to be yourself at all times without doubting yourself is exceptional That is why being an individual is the greatest human achievement.