I WILL NOT CONFORM! BY LUCY GREANEY

I have never been one to conform to the expectations of society.

When I was 4 years old, my preschool classmate hosted a Halloween party at his house.

All of the girls in my class talked about how they would be attending the party wearing their

preferred Disney Princess costume. I, however, did not have a princess costume.

I ravaged through my basement looking for a costume that would be perfect for this

occasion, and I found my beloved dragon costume! My mom, my aunt, and my other family

members tried to talk me out of it by offering to buy me a girly costume.

I refused.

I showed up to that party and everyone laughed at me. For a moment, I felt

embarrassed, but then the boys all loved my costume! I turned into the coolest person there

and I learned to laugh with everyone.

I think that the most important part of creativity is not being afraid to stand alone and

make a statement. Taking risks and not being afraid of failure is essential. Although I am older

now and I have a much louder voice of judgement, I aspire to keep this risk-taking part of me

alive.