Dear Society..

Dear society,

 

When I was a child you told me that I could be whatever I wanted when I grew up. In fact, you often challenged what I wanted to be and made me think often about it.

When I was in grade school, you told me that boys only picked on me because they “liked” me. Boys will be boys, am I right?

When I was in middle school, you told me I had to follow certain standards to be accepted. I had to have good grades, a pretty face, and a nice smile. I shouldn’t be too loud, boys don’t like girls who talk a lot.

When I was in high school, you told me that my looks were how I was seen. White smile, skinny waist, and long hair were the only things that mattered. I should focus on what I want to do for a living, get good grades, participate in sports, play an instrument, exercise, socialize, and let’s not forget; be popular. But hey, sleep isn’t important right?

When I was in college, you told me my life depended on this. I should know what I want to do and make sure I don’t waiver from that. It doesn’t matter if I’m truly happy, as long as I get a good-paying and highly demanded job.

When I dropped out of college, your first questions were “why? What are you doing next? When will you go back? Are you working?”

When I tried joining the military, you were happy for me. “Oh, what a great choice! You can’t go wrong with the military, they’ll take good care of you!”

When I got tattoos and piercings, you looked at me as if I ruined my life.

When I shaved my head, you told me I was no longer beautiful.

 

Dear society,

 

You were wrong.

I was a child. I wanted to be a doctor, but didn’t realize the amount of time and effort it took to be a doctor. I could barely put my shoes on right and you want to ask me what I want to do with my life? Great choice.

Boys will not be boys. Boys need to be taught how to be men, not that they can get away with being assholes.

I started self harming in middle school because I didn’t feel like I “fit in”. I was loud, chubby, and I was failing all of my classes. How’s that for standards?

Looks do NOT make a person. While first impressions are all too often the first judgement of someone, looks are not everything. I wasn’t popular, I didn’t have a large group of friends, and I didn’t put in 100% effort. But damnit I made memories.

What about trade school? What about people who make a tremendous difference but don’t make more than 30k? My life will not revolve around working the highest paying job and sacrificing happiness. No, thank you.

I dropped out. Where were the “are you okay? Did something happen? Just not your cup of tea?”  questions? Or even an “I understand, it’s okay”.

I didn’t join the military because I couldn’t. My mental health disorders refrained me from being able to join. I couldn’t be on medication, I had a past of self harm, and it just wasn’t in my books. Life works out the way it’s supposed to, don’t forget that.

We admire art every single day, yet when someone chooses to put it on their body they’re a discrimination. My body tells a story, and I’m able to share experiences with people who maybe want a certain piercing or want to know about the process. Can you do that?

I am a human. Sure, I’m chubby and I don’t have any hair but I can tell a story. I can be more real and more of who I am without hiding behind a veil. I don’t need hair to be beautiful.

You want to judge me, fine. But don’t tell me I’ll never be happy because I didn’t go to college, don’t have any clue what I want to do with my life, or because I never have to do my hair again.

 

I am NOT a failure. I’m not just another college dropout. I’m a piece of artwork; a masterpiece. You don’t like the art? Walk the other direction.

 

Sincerely,

A tattooed, pierced, loud, non-college educated, chubby, bald girl.

❤