In Three Parts: Glasses, Part III

During the summer between eighth and ninth grade, I underwent a metamorphosis of sorts. All summer long, I bought new clothes in an attempt to change my look. Every spare dollar went toward this goal of mine. For some reason, I was obsessed with not wearing the same thing twice within the first thirty days of school. I also found myself armed with new stories after my family had spent the weeks before school in southern California on vacation. Enthralled by everything that place means, I planned on telling anyone who would listen. Finally, and most importantly, for the first time since kindergarten, I was without glasses. Now, I was wearing contacts and there was nothing that was going to stand in my way.

After being bullied throughout most of my eighth-grade year by a fellow student a year ahead of me, I wanted to make sure I was seen as a new person. I wanted to take away one weapon he constantly hammered me with on a daily basis. These silly little changes were also an attempt to find some confidence and as a way to make room for me in high school.

My contacts changed everything. Much like a physical barrier, when they fell, I was free. Filled with a new sense of confidence, I asserted myself in student council, joined the competitive speech team, tried out for theater, and I attempted to make my mark on FHS. I wanted people to know I was quick-witted…