Self-expression is what sets us apart from others. No two people are exactly alike, so naturally, how we express ourselves is different.

Expressing yourself not only makes you feel better about yourself, but it can also improve your academic ability as well as your overall performance in school.

We express ourselves in many different ways. Some through their schoolwork and academic ability, and others through artistic ability. “I kind of bottle all of it up, and then I splash it all over a canvas, or I go completely wild onstage. I usually turn to the arts for my self-expression,” junior Catherine Turner said.

According to a recent paper published by Chief Learning Officer, customizing personal items improved students’ performance by 25 percent. Also, an fMRI study showed that the brain greatly benefits when we express ourselves. We are full of thoughts and ideas, but if those ideas remain untouched or unexplored, individuality can turn into anxiety and restlessness.

“I think expressing yourself is important because it sets you apart from others,” freshman Stephanie Jumper said. “It makes me feel confident about myself.” Knowing that there isn’t anyone else who is just like you gives you a sense of pride because you know that you are the best version of yourself out there. Self-expression should make you feel confident because you are showing the world the real you, and there isn’t anything more rewarding than that. When we show our true selves, we get to truly see just how different we are from everyone else. This is one of the greatest gifts that our individuality gives us.

“Some people feel passionate about things, and they really like to express that because that is their life,” sophomore Katarina Jordan said.

“Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that,” actress Linda Thompson said. “I pray that we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance and compassion. We are all in this life together.”