Sydney Jones

Stereotypes and labels try to fit people into boxes, mold them into one type of person. Every school has them: jocks, nerds, theatre kids, dumb blondes. It’s crazy how one small part of your life can end up defining who you are in high school. Ever since freshman year, I was labeled as the Runner. In case there is any confusion, a Runner is a kid whose life is defined by running and running only. They wake up at 5am on Saturday mornings and drive hours to compete at cross country races; they only talk about foreign concepts such as mile splits and PRs; and they will always be found wearing tie-dye shirts with the phrase “MY SPORT IS YOUR SPORTS PUNISHMENT” on the back. Always.

So, how did I end up being labeled as one of these Runners? Well, I joined the cross-country team. I ran countless miles a week, worked out in the blazing heat with my best friends, and wore those dumb tie-dye shirts. Before I knew it, I was a Runner. I loved being a Runner because it helped to shaped me into the person I am today, but I never really thought that it should define me as a person. In fact, I don't think that anyone should be categorized based on stereotypes. People are defined by so much more than one thing; we are complex and unique.

So yes, I am a Runner, but I am so much more. I am a hard worker, an environmentalist, a feminist, a friend, a leader. I refuse to be put in a box, and I hope that college gives me the chance to be all of these things and more.