Family Ties

by Charlotte Thaler

My entire life, my identity has always been tied to someone else. Growing up, I was always Sam’s twin sister, never just Charlotte.

When I came to college, I was so excited to finally have the chance to reinvent myself and pursue what interested and excited me. That was, until I met professors and older students who dubbed me “Little Lily” before I could even introduce myself.

At first I was disheartened by the feeling of never being good enough for just being me, but then I realized that I had a really unique opportunity to blaze my own trail and make people remember me for me- not just for who I’m related to.

My struggles with my identity reminds me of what it means to be a true entrepreneur. A true entrepreneur is not one who takes the path less traveled- it’s one who takes the path that has yet to be built. Entrepreneurship to me is about being willing to challenge people’s assumptions, break the status quo, and redefine yourself for yourself.

I may never escape the comparisons to my siblings, but now I sure as hell will make sure they know me for me, not for who I’m related to.

Name: Charlotte Thaler
Year: Sophomore
Major: Marketing and Entrepreneurship Hometown: Las Vegas
Fun Fact: I’m the younger twin by two minutes Key Words: Trailblazer, Self Discovery, Relatives