oh hello, old college essay...
When most people ponder the word minority, they identify problems with ethnicity or age. I, on the other hand, think of my household. In my family of five I am certainly the odd one out. Despite my strong resemblance to my parents, I often wonder where I came from. Not physically, but emotionally and intellectually. I am artistic and introspective, but I belong to a clan full of athletic and indifferent beings that prefer to discuss the weather or watch baseball. I have never felt a supreme sense of belonging and that has forced me to discover myself.
Being peculiar in my own home has led me to explore myself in greater depth. This path of self-discovery has made me feel more comfortable in my own skin, however different that skin may be. Being sure of myself has given me the confidence to be an individual wherever I go. Feeling ostracized in my own family has been the driving force towards more confidence in social situations like school or work. Not having unconditional acceptance at home has led me to feel more comfortable if I were to behave comically at school. I consider the family I’ve been born into a gift. Without the circumstances of my upbringing, I never would have been so sure of myself and the quirky qualities I posses. To quote Ingrid Michaelson, "its not fitting in that will help to begin to show you your beauty."