By Kristen H., TIWP Student

If I didn’t have to be judged by my appearance or personality and treated differently because of that, I would be less stressed and worried about trivial things. I wouldn’t be bothered about being judged on days I don’t wear makeup or when I don’t have time to put effort into an outfit. I wouldn’t think about whether I’m saying too much or too little in a room. I wouldn’t be worried about not getting the help I needed at college visitations, school events, and even shopping malls because their first impression of me was bad. 

Without the constant weight of other people’s opinions, I think I’d feel lighter and more free to just exist. I’d try new things without second-guessing how I might come across. I’d raise my hand more often, talk to people I usually wouldn’t, and walk into places without feeling like I have to prove myself first. I think I’d learn more about what actually makes me happy instead of shaping myself around what others expect. My choices—what I wear, how I act, what I say—would come from confidence instead of caution. Maybe I’d finally stop editing myself to fit the moment and just exist as I am, unfiltered and comfortable.