KNOWING who you are is much important than using a mask to please people around you. I, myself also used mask to blend in, for acceptance, but I realized that I do not need to change who I am. The real me is what I need to be, not anyone else.
Before I get to know myself, I used to please everyone. I became what my friends are doing, going to party, shopping, and became a “social climber.” I also became unforgiving, saying bad words, trouble maker, and many more. It’s fun, it is truly fun, but it does have consequences and one of the unforgettable results of what I did when I was in grade six. That time the guard of our school came to our room and scolded us for getting involved in a fight with some students from another school. Since then, I started to think about what I did and what I have become. I realized that I have become a monster and it was not me.
I continue to be with my friends but I decided to show who I truly am -- a joker, adventurous, and easy to get along. I prayed to God to guide me and to really know myself. I do not need to wear a mask to make friends and to bond with them. Reflect and evaluate yourself. Is this who I really am? Am I someone who I want to be? Once you discover who you truly are, be yourself! There is nothing to be afraid and shy of who you truly are.
Being who you are is being honest to the people who you interact and communicate with. It is what makes you unique and different in good way. Get to know yourself more, pretending is never good. It does drives you far from who you really are. Be you because God made us who we are. (Christine Ruelan, Usep intern)