All Nonfiction
- Bullying
- Books
- Academic
- Author Interviews
- Celebrity interviews
- College Articles
- College Essays
- Educator of the Year
- Heroes
- Interviews
- Memoir
- Personal Experience
- Sports
- Travel & Culture
All Opinions
- Bullying
- Current Events / Politics
- Discrimination
- Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking
- Entertainment / Celebrities
- Environment
- Love / Relationships
- Movies / Music / TV
- Pop Culture / Trends
- School / College
- Social Issues / Civics
- Spirituality / Religion
- Sports / Hobbies
All Hot Topics
- Bullying
- Community Service
- Environment
- Health
- Letters to the Editor
- Pride & Prejudice
- What Matters
- Back
Summer Guide
- Program Links
- Program Reviews
- Back
College Guide
- College Links
- College Reviews
- College Essays
- College Articles
- Back
The Skirt MAG
I will be the first to say that I am not materialistic. My friends label me as a goody-goody; my parents say I am conservative and modest when it comes to clothes. I don’t wear bikinis, and none of my skirts or shorts end above my knees. That is my choice.
So why, why did I feel so tempted? My family and I were in Target, and there it was, waiting. A skirt, specifically designed not to cover anything. It was tan and looked like something one of those anime schoolgirls would wear.
I checked my purse. The skirt cost $10. I had the money. I could buy it. I imagined walking into school and my pals’ jaws dropping. Guys would ask me out, and I would be happy. I could buy it – no, I should buy it.
I showed my mother. She was surprised but said it was my decision. My sister looked on enviously.
I went into the dressing room to try it on. So sure was I that this skirt would change me, somehow make me not what I am but what I wished to be. I slid my jeans off and put it on. Now for the decisive moment. I looked in the mirror. There I was – a geeky girl in a Superman T-shirt and sneakers. My glasses fogged up as I started to cry.
The skirt did not change me. Though it fit well and might make me look good in the eyes of today’s world, it was not me. I am not a girl who flirts or wears cool clothes to fit in.
I took the thing off and slid back into the comfort of modesty. My mom knocked on the door. “Emily, are you okay?”
I wiped away my tears. “I’m fine.” I looked in the mirror again and saw a blond skinny girl with dorky glasses and a ponytail. I saw myself.
Similar Articles
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
This article has 341 comments.
I just find this beautiful. I can honestly relate (along with 5 billion other people). Trying to break out of your box is extremely hard and can be impossible. I myself (I know you don't want to hear about myself but I have nothing else to put here) am forced by myself to stifle a certain part of me. I'm doing better anyway but still. I can get an subscription to seventeen magazine but I can't tell my friends. Girl, you had more courage than I would have. I wouldn't have even tried the skirt on, no matter how much i wanted it. You gave it a chance but held yourself back.
This is just wonderful ♥
yes exactly!
just figure out what is "you" and dont ever question it again. just go with it. then you are confident and beautiful and radiant. it all just adds up to make a really good thing :)
11 articles 12 photos 77 comments
Favorite Quote:
“Raids, bullets, crime... no problem. A missing duster? Crisis."-The Last Sacrifice<br /> "If we stand for nothing, we'll fall for anything." -All Time Low
I thought changing my look would make me different. Truthfully, it made me look weird and awkward. I wore all kinds of colors and designs. I went back to my plain black and gray shirts and I felt, well, like me. I may not be the kind of girl who has 30 boyfriends in a week and looks like a cardboard cutout, but I am me. Your article made me happy to see that I am not the only nonconformist. Thank you!