Write or Wong? — (Non-Cheesy) Advice on Being You

KAYIU WONG
Staff Writer

As teens, the pressures of academic, social and familial expectations can easily engulf us. The fear of not receiving an A in our hardest class, the dread of being compared to a sibling or even the agitation of not being as skinny as that one friend who can eat whatever they want and never gain weight seems to hit us hard. Being judged for what we do, like, say or what we cannot be makes hiding in the shadows sound like a better option than facing the risk of being pointed out. In a society that can be quick to judge and perceive, many of us cannot understand what confidence is or how to be confident.

It is easy for the feeling of “I can’t” to dominate our mentalities, but confidence is about not allowing that to happen. This is where the “non-cheesy” advice comes in: we all need to throw “I can’t” out the window and never use it in our vocabularies again. Knowing that you can makes you more comfortable in your own skin because, at the end of the day, you totally can. Having that extra pep in your step and an enthusiastic smile is all about staying true to yourself. Knowing who you are and all the wonderfully fantastic things you are capable of will result in a more positive, radiant and self-assured you.

Confidence is not some miracle pill or wonder food we can all buy from a shop. Building real confidence comes from setbacks, recovery and believing in yourself despite what gets thrown your way. So, have the confidence in knowing that the countless hours of studying for that A will be worth it and that your sibling cannot do things the way you can. Do not let the fear of being put down deprive you of your perseverance, or worse, of your confidence.