Differences are what make culture and identity. From personal expression to beliefs and practices, everybody has a unique life and personal touch that makes them special. At this time in our lives, we are all learning and developing who we are. Not just students, but individuals as a whole. Trying out a new sport to following current trends to even how we like to study are all individual forms of expression and differences we as students embrace day to day. We spoke to Rosemont students about how they feel about their individuality and what personal characteristics mean to them.
First, let’s talk about what personal expression means. Each person has their own way of expressing themselves, this can be through art, clothing, makeup, music, words, and much more. Humans use individuality to stand out, as well as blend in. We can learn a lot about others by taking a deeper look into the way people present themselves to the world. For example, one student tells us, “Clothing has always been something I’ve been passionate about. I’ve always had a specific style, and like to express myself through it.”
Have you noticed how outward appearance influences your preconceived opinions of an individual? The way we dress also can influence the way we are perceived by others. The Indian Institute of Fashion Technology states, “A person’s wardrobe is an intricate reflection of their inner identity.” The way we express ourselves tells people how we feel. For example, an eighth-grade girl tells us, “What you wear affects how people see you and how you feel about yourself. Participating in activities or dressing how you like makes you feel happy.” Our self-expression encompasses a variety of behaviors, including what we say and don’t say, how we dress, style our hair, how we behave, how we spend our time, or who we spend time with. Our self-expression choices reveal to others aspects of our personalities and areas of interest.
On the other hand, there are negative reactions to personal expression that limit the full diversity of communities. It’s very common for kids to be criticized, then and then later suppress their style. Teen and childand& child counselor, Janine Hodge, says, “Not being able to express ourselves fully can have a negative impact on our mental health and well-being.”
When it comes to a routine, the norm is for students to get up early. Then, following around seven hours of mentally taxing labor, kids might be able to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports. The daily work and stress provide little time for hanging out with friends as a typical kid could. Students are worn out after the school day ends. With the stress of everyday life, how are kids finding space and time to be themselves? In every class, we base most of our work on some variation of problem-solving. We do it in Math, English, History, and Science. We are taught to attack the problems in a specific way. But are we ever taught to find different ways to find solutions? Or to discover ways that work for the student? Many complain that they get questions “wrong” in math class because they did the equation the incorrect way, even if they got the correct answer. This sense of constant criticism over individual ways of thinking and problem-solving can make students feel isolated and judged for their way of thinking. We should accept all ways of thinking as valid and important, rather than forcing all students to think the same way. Many would argue that finding new solutions or pathways is the real way to impact the world, rather than following the footprint of those who have already made changes.
In the end, all students are going to have different perspectives when it comes to going through their school years. Many are going to stay “followers” when it comes to expression and style, some might go their whole lives without changing their habits, and some may even become trailblazers in the world of uniqueness. All that matters is that we as a community accept each other as individuals with different ideas, thoughts, expressions, and ways of going about life. Maybe by embracing our differences, we can build a more accepting and enjoyable world for ourselves and our future.