Rare is a case where someone claims to
become a better version of themselves in a moment. For me, change occurred with the snip of a
scissors. In the summer going into my
sophomore year of high school, I cut my extremely long and thick hair into a
pixie cut. It was a drastic change with
no warning to any of my friends and family besides my mother and one of my
friends. Prior to cutting my hair, I
would get frustrated because I wanted it to look unique but it was too heavy to
do anything with it. I felt insecure about
my hair so I established myself as3 an extremely passive person who could never
make up my mind. My “friends” would walk
all over me and exploit what I did for them without consideration for me as a
person. Cutting my hair short allowed me
to be more assured in who I am, showing my friends and family that I strong
individual. I am able to be both unique
and confident. 
When my hair was long, I would hide
behind it, hiding also behind my more confident friends. After I cut it, my peers and family respected
me more since it was uncommon that
someone my age would make the decision to cut their hair so short. They saw that I had confidence in myself and
was growing from a passive girl to a strong young lady. My family saw that I was able to think for
myself and trusted me to make the right choices. Many of my friends were impressed that I was
able to do something so drastic without asking for the opinions of others
first. Both my family and friends saw
that I was finally finding myself. I no
longer hid behind my “friends”, but became my own distinctive person.
When my hair was long, no one took me
seriously because I did not take myself seriously. I would get good grades but I would not put
in any extra effort to make my work stand out.
No one expected me to be anything special because I did not want to hold
myself to any high standard. In a way,
it was as though my hair was nothing special and neither was I. After I cut my hair, I saw that I could
create a new and better version of myself.
I had my own sense of style and could create my own image. I saw that standing out is not inherently
bad. My academic performance increased,
I became more involved in my school community, and was not afraid to take on
leadership roles. My peers now see me as
someone reliable since I try to be a leader as well as considerate of people
who feel how I felt prior to cutting my hair.
In my life today, I continue to look for ways to help people find who
they are. Once I was timid and
uncommitted, now I am focused and true to myself.
My life changed
for the better in an instant. I never
believed that cutting my hair would affect the way the way I interact with
those around me, nor that it would allow me to be given more responsibilities. Since I know what it is like to be taken
advantage of, I try to encourage others and be a true friend, rather than a
friend of convenience. When I cut my
hair I saw that I had the confidence to shape my own life and to be a true and
welcoming friend. One haircut changed my
entire outlook on life and friendship.
Now with short hair, I am a young woman who tries to be a positive
influence by showing people the power of individuality
.
.