Ashlie D.

Photography by Reese Niccolls

If you’re reading this, don’t define yourself by others' opinions.

During my senior year of high school, my social circle crumbled. Every day for the last two months of the year, I heard another opinion on how I acted, one about where I didn’t get into school, and people saying that they hoped I got rejected from schools. It came to a point where I had no idea who my friends were. Anyone I thought was my friend would end up talking badly about me, which kept me crying in my car in the parking lot.

Upon hearing harsh words about my personality, looks, or character, I had no idea what I liked about myself anymore, or if there was anything to like. I didn’t know who my friends were, and I didn’t know myself. It wasn’t until I came to college and stepped onto the Syracuse campus that I had a fresh start. I finally learned what true friendship is. Joining AXS, AGD, and opening up to the people around me was when I realized that I am not what people from high school said about me.

 I realized I was not the problem; the environment and social circles I was in were holding me back. What people from your past say about you doesn’t define you, whether they were friends or enemies. You choose who you are, and you choose who gets your energy. Don’t let the opinions of people who gossip about you shape how you see yourself. What they say is not who you are.

Ashlie D., Syracuse University

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