Prove You Wrong.

Floral Blouse, Black Pleated Skirt: Forever21.

Wine Colored Tights, Black Beret: Target.

Black Heels Booties: H&M.

Gold Binocular Necklace: Giveaway win.

Orange Bangles: c/o Style Queen.

I had a lot of people tell me not to go away for college. They told me that I wasn't the 'college type of girl.' That I would want to go home, it would be too hard to take care of myself, that I wouldn't make friends, that I'd be just as socially awkward as I was in high school. Most of all, they told me not to go and study fashion; that I would never be able to get a job or make any amount of decent money. They told me to go to the local community college; that I would be happier there. There isn't anything wrong with the community college; I just always knew it wasn't the path I wanted to take.

So, I took in what all these people told me. I brushed them off and had arguments with them, trying to prove that I was meant to go to college and I was making the right decision with where I was going. Even though I vehemently defended my decision, the words got to me. I didn't let it show, but they did.

This summer I had a lot of doubt if I was making the right decision. I had in the back of my mind this fear and almost reality that I would try college out for a few weeks, fail, and then come back home. Just like so many people told me I would. I came to Kent expecting a hard time and unhappiness because that's what people told me I would have.

But I got here and I didn't experience regrets. I felt alive and still do feel alive here. I'm flourishing in my fashion classes; I wouldn't want to be doing anything else with my life. It is my passion and the 'love of my life.' I'm taking care of myself, all by myself. From the girl who never even slept over anywhere, who never stayed away from her home....I'm now the girl who doesn't WANT to go home. I thought I wouldn't meet people and wouldn't connect. That they'd all be the flat characters full of judgements and the same ideals from my home town...but they're not. I've met so many amazing people here that I click with and get me and make socializing; dare I say, fun?

I want to prove those people who doubted me wrong. I have such a fire in me to be everything I want to be and show people the things I'm not which they believe I am. I'm better than that. I'm better than a lot of the things people told me I was. I'm strong, independent, unique, and driven. Every day is a step at shoving those harsh words people threw at me back down their throats. I am going to be successful here. I am going to get the job of my dreams. I am going to make friends and find myself and meet the love of my life someday.

All without those people who told me I couldn't.

With much love, Lauren.