Students laughing while enjoying a lunch break in the Greenwood Student Center. Studies find that
people are more attractive when they are genuinely
themselves. Photo by Michaela Dutson
Confidence, that bold, intriguing, and slippery noun we all seem to crave, but who’s to say how much confidence one person must have or lack?
As human beings, we have social needs that help us define who we are as individuals. A famous psychologist named Abraham Maslow is best known for creating Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which contains five very important categories that help maintain one’s fundamental needs: physical, safety, social, self-esteem and self-actualization.
Each one of those topics helps you in becoming your own self. There was a time when I was the shyest person on this planet. I broke out of my shell by forcing myself to take on leadership roles and sports. It was definitely a key factor in pushing me towards building up that confidence.
Self-esteem is the desire to believe in oneself and become that incredible person. Let me tell you a little secret, “Be you!” I know you might be thinking “me is boring.” Get that nonsense out of your mind and start saying, “I can be whoever I want.” Who says you have to be this or that? I, for one, am not going to stand by the social norm of “just ordinary.” I want to be more than ordinary but rather alive, living my life to the fullest as much as I can. This is college; your life has just begun. Don’t settle for ordinary, settle for extraordinary. This is your time to be whatever and whomever you want, so live it up and be confident.
Ileana Brown
Ileana Brown was born on August 27th, 1995. Originally from Garden City, Kansas, she currently resides in Layton, Utah. She has many hobbies, including film, photography, and writing. During her high school days at Edgren High School, she was the Captain of the JV volleyball team and participated in Student 2 Student. At Northridge high she was a student officer in both Future Business Leaders of America and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. After high school she attended Snow College continuing her leadership roles by being a Resident Assistant for on-campus housing and working for the school newspaper, writing and taking photos. Ileana has chosen to major in communications and film, attending the University of Utah next fall semester 2016-17.