Welcome back! In honor of the fresh and new theme of back-to-school season, I say we bury the idea of the acronym “YOLO” (you only live once), and choose to embody another expression by famed rapper Drake.
Lyrics in his song “The Real Her” mention being “proud of the fact that you’ve done it your way.” As young individuals, we have an extraordinary opportunity to be whatever we choose. As creative as our generation is, physical appearance has become a rather popular outlet of expression. From what I’ve seen, young adulthood is the perfect time for people to experiment with their individual styles.
However, appearance has overshadowed a deeper image of ourselves.
For ladies, something like a change in hair color or a drastic cut might be on the list of things to try. Dark to light, light to dark, chemically relaxed to natural; if you want to make a change, go for it. Just do yourself the favor of knowing it’s something you want to try for yourself and not someone else’s approval.
Always remember your individuality comes from within.
Guys, if you want to grow out your hair, so be it. Walking through campus, I have seen afros, long and shaggy hair, ferocious beards and much more. However, I will tell you more young ladies than you think prefer a well-groomed look over anything too wild.
Take note that college is also a preprofessional environment and a number of influential people you will be in contact with feel the same way.
Multiple piercings all over the body are also popular these days. They are not too awe-inspiring, in my eyes. However, the world (including the traditional generation that came before us) is becoming somewhat accepting of these youthful trends.
Surprisingly, I’ve worked in a number of professional establishments at which nose rings and small tattoos were visible and seemingly not a problem. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that in the real world many of our employers might not be as accepting.
Speaking of, the most overwhelming trend has to be the rise of the tattoo.
So many people have them. It feels like not having one is what actually makes a person unique. I walk around campus and notice people’s tattoos peeking out from under their clothes more so than I see their outfits. The general idea tells us a tattoo can make even the prettiest or nerdiest guy seem just a little bit cooler or tougher. The nicest and most innocent girl becomes a little less prude. I have to disagree when the tattoos are essentially meaningless.
Be cautious. These engravings of the skin are permanent and will more than likely alter in appearance as you and your body change and age. More than likely your feelings about them will do the same.
My advice to you? If you think about making one of these changes to yourself, use reason and, more important, have one. Now is the time to try things, but be safe, and make sure you stay in control. Your body is a temple. Many will choose to adorn it, but most vital is that people take measures to respect it.
When it’s all said and done, after changing ourselves, we are still the same people.
When everything comes off of your body, only you will be left standing there.
How fancy your clothes and hair look or how cool your tattoos and piercings make you seem are actually irrelevant. The thoughts in your brain, the personality you show and the soul inside your heart require a different kind of adornment.
Embrace whatever is inside yourself and know that it is what makes you different from everyone in the crowd. Strive to fine-tune, decorate and showcase it before anything else.
Anayo Ordu is an advertising sophomore at UF. Her columns appear on Tuesdays. You can contact her at opinions@alligator.org.
