Reflecting on High School: Lessons from a Non-Compliant Student

Can you imagine what I looked like in high school? Here is a snapshot from my phone gallery:

Being a decent person since childhood, I can only assume that my visualization skills are good enough. Throughout my years in government school, I did not receive much attention or care from my teachers regarding my uniform or physical appearance. My height was average and my frame was slender. I often found myself interacting with older classmates, but my behavior was more reserved compared to them.

One of the significant challenges during my time in high school was my fear of speaking to teachers. Even attempting to clarify my doubts during daily study sessions filled me with anxiety. My academic performance was not influenced by the lack of strict uniform policies, as I maintained the standards expected by my school. I fondly recall the days when my attire was restricted to a white shirt and navy blue trousers.

High school was not the most enjoyable period for me. In the first year, I tried to emulate the popular students, but this approach did not suit me. Eventually, breaking away from this persona allowed me to find peace and enjoyed my time much more. Do not worry if you are not 'aesthetically pleasing' right now; high school is the time when everyone experiences puberty. This may not bode well for you if you are concerned about your appearance.

I can confidently state that I was a plain-looking girl with no aspirations to enhance my looks. Despite not having completed high school, I maintain that one does not need to look good or follow all the trends due to peer pressure. Instead, focus on maintaining a tidy uniform and proper personal hygiene, which were often neglected by my male counterparts in school.

The most popular students in my school were not the ones with trendy hairstyles or revealing skirts. The truly well-liked individuals were those who acted like genuine students, not faux teen models straight out of a 'Mean Girls' episode. Emphasize making friends and enjoying your high school years. Do not fall into peer pressure or succumb to the clichés and stereotypes that may exist.

I found my happiness after embracing myself and realizing that being yourself is more freeing than fitting into someone else's image. You can explore new styles and hobbies outside of school as well, but maintain the balance by not letting them overshadow the youthful enjoyment and authenticity of high school life. Remember, teachers value students who exhibit genuine behavior and not superficial attempts for attention.