Hank Green defines the adolescence period as the struggle between the need to stand out and the need to belong. This power struggle is nothing new to our generation or the generations that came before us. The decision you make in the end could change for better or worse.

The status quo is a very popular choice among youth today and it is not at all difficult to get sucked into. Especially, when everyone is wearing the same thing, liking the same thing and laughing at the same thing. Effortlessly batting an eye in the face of abnormality is not the most common thing to do. This world has normality, security and instant acceptance all rolled into one package. Who wouldn’t choose that path?

Sticking with the status quo has its own perks and downfalls. A sense of security blankets those who follow it as opposed to social displacement, those who follow the crowd are on the side of the majority. Of course, a security blanket sounds desirable, but if you’ve ever watched The Breakfast Club you know that it’s not always the case. One might find a deep sense of dissatisfaction from following a suggested place on the social ladder. After all, entertaining the exact same things as everyone else can get old rather quickly and make it even harder trying to keep up with one’s “identity”.

Taking “the road less traveled by” as Robert Frost said, is just how it sounds, the decision chosen rarely. Taking this path involves a good amount of bravery from those who choose this route, so when someone does, they deserve a large round of applause. Naturally, diverting from the course taken by many will conjure up confusion from the masses. Deciding your own path is the best decision for anyone. It can give you space to think freely without being infected with the same old carbon copy ideas. On top of that, a sense of freedom falls on you to do and be whatever you want. If you claim your individuality for everyone to see, you might just distinguish yourself in this grey-covered world.

Naturally, there will be those that vehemently rise against the unique and different. People aren’t used to seeing something out of the ordinary and don’t always respect that idea. Always remember though, just because something is different, that doesn’t make it wrong, a mentality that a lot of us seem to be lacking, sadly. Some of the world’s most influential people share this unique quality.

I will be the first to admit, in a world where imitating the same things and ideas are the norm, it is hard not to get swept in or feel left out. It is hard not to notice people are wearing the same thing as everyone else. It is hard not to notice people carrying identical purses or water bottles. It is hard not to notice that people are driving the same kind of car. What are you supposed to do when you come to these things?

If you happen to be conflicted with choosing either side, go where your heart tells you.  Please excuse the cheesiness of that statement, but it’s true. Shedding that cloak of worry we wear all the time makes this decision much easier. This huge decision can make all the difference in who we become in life.