When first faced with the task of writing a so-called personal essay, I was completely at a loss as to what I should write about. I could not come up with any interesting stories about my family, or recount a heartwarming tale about how I helped out someone less fortunate than myself. As far as I am concerned, I do not do anything outstanding, exceptional, or unusual. I also, fortunately enough, have never had to deal with a personal or family related tragedy. .
The more I brainstormed about what to write about, the more I realized that I am just a normal teenager. However, this led to the realization that I could write about something that I have to deal with on a daily basis as a teenager. It is something that I know most people my age have to deal with, but is pushed aside as a "stupid teenage problem" by most adults. Perhaps they do not remember what it was like when they were growing up, or maybe things were different when my parents were teenagers. .
My peers and myself usually label the problem that I am referring to as "fake". What does it mean to be a fake person, you ask? Well, someone who is "fake" is the kind of person who does anything and everything they can to change themselves into the type of person they think is "cool". They will go out and buy only certain clothes, hang out with certain people, and listen to certain music. People who are fake will do anything that is necessary in order to be part of what they feel is the right group of people, even if that means compromising themselves and what they believe in. They will stab people in the back and lie if they feel that they have to.
I know that most adults would tell me that I should just avoid these kinds of people if they bother me this much. However, this is easier said than done. It is often not very easy to figure out who is fake and who is a real person. Someone that you consider your good friend could turn around and become someone very different quite quickly if you do not choose your friends wisely.
