Self confidence is sometimes thought of as cockiness. But, that isn’t what it is. It is being comfortable with yourself and knowing you can accomplish things. I feel people should be happy with themselves no matter their size, skin color or appearance.

Studies show that self confidence is the main key to success. If you fake it, you’ll make it. But, there are so many people who are self conscious rather than self confident.

Young women are mainly the ones who feel they are less because of looks, weight, etc., which is upsetting. Dosomething.org says that among high school students 44% of girls and 15% of guys are attempting to lose weight.

These concerns often lead to more dangerous situations.  Dosomething.org states 75% of girls with low self esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating. This compares to the 25% with high self esteem.

From a young age, my mom taught my siblings and I to love and believe in ourselves no matter what anyone says.

Kanye West is a prime example of someone with extreme self confidence and success that is followed by that. From the beginning of his career to now not once did he allow anyone to tell him he could not do it. He believed in himself from day one. His record label executives didn’t believe he could become a rapper; his first major hit was recorded while his jaw was wired shut. Yet he believed in himself and has become successful.

People should feel that they can do anything because in all reality all of us are special in some way. For some reason people got this idea that other people’s opinions mattered more than their own. You may not think you look like the celebrities but believe that you do. Believe that you can do it, because if you doubt yourself from the beginning, you’ll never reach your goal.

Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2014-2015 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.