Lakshmi P.
Photography by Shawn Bulloch
If you’re reading this, know that you are enough.
Since I was 2 years old, I have moved cities, states, and even countries countless times. I have learned to be comfortable with change and make the best out of situations. No matter how much I sought stability and a sense of home, I never let myself feel too comfortable or fall in love with any place, with the presumption that I would have to move out anyway. This resulted in my tendency to adjust my personality just to fit into every room I walked into. I never wanted to seem overbearing, rude, sensitive, immature, or give off any bad connotations. So no matter what I was going through, I always put on a smile.
The only consistent part of my personality I carried everywhere I moved was my smile. I was nicknamed “Smiley” from every teacher, mentor, and parent I met. I wanted to make sure I was spreading the kindness, patience, and understanding that I wished I had received growing up. I grew up believing that I had to put other people before myself, constantly feeling like my own feelings were a burden and would push people away. However, once I started surrounding myself with good-hearted, inspiring people in college, I finally felt seen. For the first time, I let myself fall in love with college and not be afraid to call it my home. I learned that I cannot keep running away from my true self and that I have to love myself as unconditionally as I love other people. Now, the only approval and praise I seek is from myself. As long as I am making myself proud, other people’s opinions do not matter. I am enough and loved for the way that I am and will no longer shape shift for the comfort of others.
Lakshmi P., University of Georgia
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