Lia's Blog

I have to admit, although it may sound nerdy, I really was looking forward to my first day of school. Summer is definitely my favorite time of year, don’t get me wrong, but when you lay around with nothing to do for weeks on end…Well it definitely gets a bit tiring.

Every person—especially girls—hopes to start off the new year a more-improved, prettier version of last year. On our first day, we get to school with our hair perfectly done, dressed in the cutest outfit we manage to put together, and secretly hope that the boy we’ve always had a soft spot for will turn his head and finally notice. Or any boy, for that matter.

No such luck. Unless you get a “Princess Diaries” full-blown makeover, everyone pretty much looks the same, except slightly better dressed.

It is fortunate that people are so resilient, because if they weren’t, if they felt the let the full impact of the non-reaction hit them, no one would be able to hope for anything again. Yet, in our youthful tenacity, we plow forward, determined that we each will get our day—a magical day where people will appreciate your careful makeup, your delicate curls, your expensive floral skirt, or your newly-toned legs.

Let’s be real here. It is precisely because we desire this that causes no one to notice. Everyone is too focused on wanting everyone else to notice them, that of course no one is looking at anyone else. If everyone looked at everyone, everyone would be appreciated—ideally, at least.

I came to school in a simple beige JCrew top with pink ribbing, a Sevens jeans miniskirt, and my favorite pair of white Sketcher flip flops. And I was comfortable with that. I felt that simplicity looked good, and I felt good. My best friend was a different story altogether. A bright yellow tank top, a loud paisley skirt in brown and gold, and look-at-me brown gladiator-style sandals. She looked pretty, no doubt, but I couldn’t help but pity her efforts.

Because despite the newly-highlighted hair and the matching outfit, she is still the same person as last year. And no matter what she wears, people did and always will regard her just the same. People are just too self-centered to appreciate others. It’s just a fact of life.

I’m no cynic, and I don’t pretend that I’m not selfish at times. But I specifically complimented all of my friends on what they wore at least once each. A unique observation for each friend. My friends are the cream of the crop. Whereas some of the people in my grade wouldn’t return the compliment at all, they at least offered a few appreciative glances and generic compliments on my hair.

Just a thought…

Love, Lia <3