“Yes dear, you’re unique, just like everyone else.” In a time like high school it’s hard to be unique. Everyone is struggling to fit in, yet break free and be independent. So what makes me unique? Nothing.

     I’ve just spent hours trying to figure out if there was something I could BS my way through for this essay. But this is what it’s come down to... Plain and simple, I’m an average teenage girl with a mind of her own. I know that deep down I’m different, but I don’t like being labeled as unique. I feel that writing a paper on what makes me special would be stuck up and, for lack of a better word, bitchy. I’m the type that likes to listen to the other person pour their life out rather than pour myself out to someone else. I don’t like the attention focused on me, I’d rather hide in the corner of the room and watch everyone else.

     I hate those who always have to go around with a "look-at-me" attitude. Sure, people say I have talents, but I don’t see them. I spend a good deal of my time denying talents people always enjoying pointing out. I don’t want or need recognition. Yes, I know, I know, "Hide not your talents, for use they were made, what's a sundial in the shade?" But, it’s good enough for me that I enjoy doing something, I don’t need to be the next big person to make money or become famous off of it.

     So instead, only to fill the requirements for this assignment, what do other people find unique about me? I’m said to be able to sing quite well, though I usually refuse to sing for people. I love singing, that I’ll admit, but only when people aren’t paying attention or can’t pick me out of the group specifically. I’m also said to be smart. I hate that most of all. I look around me and see SO many people smarter than I am, how can I be expected to accept that I’m smarter than average? If I’m above average, those that I notice are above me must be geniuses and I highly doubt that.

     Equality. Equality is what I strive for. If I can’t obtain that though, I can easily accept below average. Exceling isn’t something I hold to high standards. Blending in, keeping out of the spot light, that’s the path I choose.

     Sticking myself out into the attention of the crowd by claiming to be special or unique makes me vulnerable, an easy target. I let others make their own decisions about me and judge for themselves without influence. They think what they like, I think what I like. It works out quite well for both parties. I don’t care what they think, be it bad or good. I am who I am and it’s taken me many years to accept that. I’ve only just begun to embrace it.

     So take what you like from my words. If you can find a unique quality in there, so be it. If not, I’ve just proved my point. What makes me unique? Nothing. I’m simply average.