If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be known as the “Henry Danger,” “Justin Bieber,” or “raise your ya ya ya” girl at UGA, I’d laugh and think that you’re crazy. If you told me that now, I might sigh a little of embarrassment, but I’d proudly embrace either of those names. When committing to UGA, did I see myself becoming a spectacle of entertainment for my friends and peers? Absolutely not. But if “raising my ya ya ya” at O-House with strangers or belting out “Let it Go” on a snowy day gives my friends a reason to laugh, then I’d choose embarrassment over anything else.

Believe it or not, I was a shy kid growing up. I remember always hiding behind my mom in public, losing the ability to speak when meeting someone new, and having a hard time making friends. I was scared of being myself because I was afraid of what the world would think of me. For the longest time I lived in the shadows of others and simply dreamed of a new life where I was in the spotlight for once.

As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a successful actress and singer, but, if you couldn’t tell, this was kind of impossible if I didn’t even dare to speak. Somehow I built up the courage to audition for the school’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” and landed the lead role. Even I still can’t believe that happened, but this role was the very push I needed to step out of my shell and become the social butterfly that I am today. It’s ironic that I’ve always shared a name with a butterfly and yet it took half of my life to finally live up to its name.

Since then, I’ve been passionate about being myself unapologetically. I’ve grown out of caring what others think and more of how I perceive myself. Whether I’m putting on impromptu performances, finding excuses to wear my $30 wig, or finding strangers to include in my vlogs, I’m always seeking some form of social interaction in hopes that I can make someone’s day or even change someone’s life. As cliche and cheesy as it sounds, I’ve learned that life is so much easier when you learn to be yourself.