What do you want to be when you grow up? Or rather, who do you want to be?

What do you want to be when you grow up? Or rather, who do you want to be? This simple question has danced around my head almost a million times. I’ve always wondered who I want to be known as- the kind, sweet girl who was always full of love, or the absolute diva who was unbothered and didn’t care about the opinions of other people. I guess I am a mix of both, but I find my personality rather confusing. I want to be remembered as a good friend. When someone hears my name, I want them to think “Wow!”, ‘I really am fond of her’. I want to be known as the type of girl who is full of love, who is kind, gives compliments, makes people smile, and is like the ray of light in a room. I want to be the type of person who kind of just radiates and shines without the desire to be seen. I want to be the type of girl who makes others smile, laugh, and feel seen.

But I also want to be (and yes, this is a Gen Z term!) a baddie who is unbothered by negativity and focused on becoming the best version of herself. I want to be the life of the party, a girl who knows every party song, knows how to dance, let loose, and just live. I want to be the type of girl who doesn’t let the opinions or disrespect of others affect her, and someone who knows when to stand up for herself. I don’t want to be the type of person who simply accepts being treated poorly just to keep the peace.

I want to be remembered as loyal, kind, caring, and empathetic; but most of all, as a good friend, a good daughter, a good sister, and just a good person.

Maybe I don’t have to choose between being the girl who loves deeply and the girl who knows her worth. Maybe the person I want to become is someone who can be both- someone who can have a soft heart without being a pushover, who can care deeply without losing herself, and who can shine without needing anyone else’s approval.

~ anonymous